Cloghan Castle (County Cork)

When combined with high ground of up to 200 metres (660 ft) surrounding the lough this makes it relatively secure from sea and land.

[4] The remains of the tower show it to be formed of rough-hewn blocks of the local Old Red Sandstone.

The second floor, likely the principal chamber (though the tower may well have had further storeys), was supported on a barrel vault ceiling.

The north wall of the enclosure holds the remains of a window, of larger size than the loopholes in the tower.

[6] Additionally there are two short sections of surviving drystone wall to the north and south of the structure.

[7] It is possible that further remains exist below ground level as the site has not been subject to archaeological investigation.

[9] The settlement of Baile an Oileain to the east of the Lough may have its origins as the sept land associated with the castle.

Folklore states that it was due to the barking of the ghost of black dog that haunted the tower, though it is likely that the poor quality mortar used in its construction led to the collapse.

[13] The remains were drawn by George Victor Du Noyer in February 1853, his pencil sketch is now in the collection of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland.