Blackwater Castle

Blackwater Castle is a hilltop fortress in the Blackwater River valley near Castletownroche, County Cork, built by the Normans in the 12th century on the foundations of the ancient Celtic ringfort Dún Cruadha. A round tower on the castle's eastern side, dating to the late 12th century, still stands but can no longer be entered. Residential sections were expanded in the early 15th century, making it one of Ireland's oldest continuously inhabited castle complexes. Since 2005 the entire castle has been available to rent exclusively for weddings, private parties, and holiday stays — guests sleep within the medieval walls with the full estate to themselves.