BLACKWATER CASTLE, CASTLETOWNROCHE, CO.CORK - GUIDED TOUR DURING HERITAGE WEEK 2103

Please join me on twitter @ederoiste

                      VIEW OF NORMAN CASTLE AND ADJOINING WEDDING VENUE

I live in Cork and never had the opportunity to visit the historical Blackwater Castle. When I noticed a guided tour advertised on the Heritage Week Website for activities  in Cork I jumped at the chance.   Blackwater Castle is situated near the beautiful village of Castletownroche in North Cork.   The castle is located on an elevated site above the river Awbeg.   There are magnificent views of the surrounding countryside from the battlements of the 15^th Century  Norman tower which is reputed to be one of the best preserved medieval keeps in Ireland.   The castle is the former seat of the Roche family who travelled to Ireland with Strongbow in the late 12^th century.  The Roche family subsequently became the powerful Lords of Fermoy.

DOORWAYS TO THE NORMAN CASTLE AND ROMANTIC WEDDING VENUE BELOW

 

When I arrived at the castle a crowd had gathered in the car park.  We were greeted by our hosts Patrick Nordstrom and his wife Sheila.  Patrick’s father, originally from Finland, bought the castle in the 1991 and Patrick has been running the estate with Sheila since his father’s death in 1998.  Patrick and Sheila are extremely enthusiastic about the history and archaeology of the castle, castle grounds and surrounding area of North Cork.   

               76 NARROW STEPS TO THE BATTLEMENTS OF THE NORMAN CASTLE

Our tour of the castle grounds began in a wooded area with a viewing of the remains of a 14^th century defence wall with a triangular tower and lookout post.   Patrick advised us the underlying structure of the defence wall dates back to the Bronze Age when the fort was known as Dun Cruadha and is over  2,000 years old.  I was surprised to see a monstrous 50 ft. modern climbing tower nearby.  Patrick advised us this was one of activities used by Blackwater Outdoor Activities. This company utilises the natural resources of the estate including the river, forestry, walkways, castle and its facilities'  It caters for groups of children and adults.  
  

13TH CENTURY LOOKOUT POST IN THE GROUNDS OF BLACKWATER CASTLE. VIEW FROM THE BATTLEMENTS OF THE 15TH CENTURY NORMAN CASTLE BELOW.

 

 

 

OVER 100 LIMESTONE STEPS DESCEND INTO THE VALLEY

 

Following our tour of the grounds we arrived back to the castle to view the 12^th century tower and adjoining chapel building.  To the rear of the tower over 100 steps cut into limestone descend into the valley to what is now a dried up well.  These steps originally open to the elements were covered over in the 15^th century so the integrity of the water supply could not be tampered with in a siege situation.  Patrick and Sheila have studied the history of the castle and surrounding area in-depth and Patrick enjoyed recounting quirky tales.  One tall tale was that they have their own ‘Blarney Stone’ which is apparently a medieval latrine situated in the 12th century tower.  Patrick advised us we could kiss the stone for free! We declined graciously.  

INTERIOR VIEW OF FIRST FLOOR OF THE NORMAN CASTLE BUILT CIRCA 1475

 

Our final tour was the interior of the 15^th century Norman tower.  This tower is mainly intact with the ground and two main floors, roof and spiral staircase in a remarkably well preserved condition.  The climb to the top is 76 narrow, winding steps and single file but the views of lush, green countryside is worth the effort.

                              VIEW FROM DOORWAY OF THE NORMAN TOWER

This was an appropriate activity for Heritage Week.  Patrick and Sheila were knowledgeable, genial hosts and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  

ANCIENT SHEELA NA GIG IN THE NORMAN TOWER

VIEW FROM THE CASTLE