A rare Irish example of a circular lake castle, built on a small artificial island in Lough Oughter by William Gorm de Lacy, later held by the Gaelic O'Rourke and O'Reilly clans. It has no on-site facilities and is only reachable by boat, making it one of the most atmospheric and adventurous castle visits in Ireland.
Visiting Cloughoughter Castle
Yes but boat access only, no facilities
"A rare Irish example of a circular lake castle, built on a small artificial island in Lough Oughter by William Gorm de Lacy, later held by the Gaelic O'Rourke and O'Reilly clans."
Where to stay nearby
The closest castle hotel is Kilronan Castle, 45.73 km away in Ballyfarnon — Originally Castle Tenison, built c.1820 and expanded in the 1880s with a baronial tower by the Earl of Kingston; fell derelict mid-20th century before restoration.
Nearest castle hotel · 45.73 km
Kilronan Castle
Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon · 4-star
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