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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 15th 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 12th century. The Roche family subsequently became the
powerful Lords of Fermoy.
DOORWAYS TO THE NORMAN CASTLE AND ROMANTIC WEDDING VENUE BELOW
Our tour of
the castle grounds began in a wooded area with a viewing of the remains of a 14th
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
INTERIOR VIEW OF FIRST FLOOR OF THE NORMAN CASTLE BUILT CIRCA 1475
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
ANCIENT SHEELA NA GIG IN THE NORMAN TOWER
VIEW FROM THE CASTLE
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