Ballintubber Castle

Ballintober, County Roscommon, Ireland, Ireland

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Ballintubber Castle, located in County Roscommon, is a large medieval fortress built around 1300 by Richard de Burgh, the powerful Earl of Ulster.

It is one of Ireland’s best examples of a “keepless” castle, featuring strong curtain walls, corner towers, a defensive moat, and an imposing gatehouse. The castle was frequently contested during the Middle Ages and was captured by members of the O'Conor dynasty, who later made it one of their principal strongholds in Connacht.

Over the centuries, it witnessed numerous conflicts and architectural changes, including the conversion of one of its towers into a residential tower house in the 17th century. Today, the ruins of Ballintubber Castle remain an important historic landmark, offering insight into both Norman military architecture and the history of the O'Conor family. Archaeological investigations have also revealed evidence of earlier settlement activity at the site, highlighting its long-standing strategic significance.