Cloughoughter Castle, Ireland

The ruins of Cloughoughter Castle stand in what used to be the Irish Kingdom of Breifne (what you DAoC players may recognize as “Breifine” from the Kingdom of Hibernia) and what is now the County Cavan.  It is built on an island in the Lough Oughter.

Photo courtesy of Conde-Nast Traveller

The castle was believed to have initially been constructed c1200-1225, possibly under the control of the Anglo-Norman William Gorm de Lacey.  But by 1233 it came under the control of Clan O’Reilly, who held it for a considerable length of time.  When Britain established the Plantation of Ulster, Hugh Culme was granted control of the castle.  Perhaps a little too spartan for his taste, he built a residence on the mainland shore and used the castle on the island as an armory.

Photo Source: flickr.com/photos/naomimiki

During the Irish Rebellion of 1641, Philip O’Reilly and several other conspirators captured Culme and imprisoned him and several other “plantationers” in the castle, where they were held for several years.

The castle was attacked by British forces under Cromwell after the Irish were driven off the mainland and forced to take refuge in the castle.  The castle was bombarded from the shore, and in March 1653, it was the last stronghold of the rebellion to fall.

Interior of tower showing stairs from base to top.
Photo source: www.360doc.com/content/12/1209/10