Ashford Castle

Castle/fortified house in Galway, Ireland, dating from 1225–1975

Freestanding irregular-plan castellated house over basement, built in stages between 1228 and 1970, later in use as country house and now in use as hotel. Late medieval gatehouse block of c.1500 located to north-west corner of building and comprising pair of single-bay three-storey square-plan towers flanking double-height gated curtain wall. Later fortified enclave of c.1589 added to south of original castle, some fabric possibly retained in currenty south-west block. Further five-bay two-storey mid-nineteenth-century block to east with tower-like advanced east-end bay having pyramidal roof. Five-bay two-storey French block of c.1715 to east again having dormer attics. Further additions made to east and north elevations c.1852 in form of two mock-medieval additions including five-storey tower house and now disused and infilled thoroughfare/gatehouse with flanking engaged angle towers. East wing rebuilt c.1868 excluding tower house with carriageway being remodelled and entrances moved. Final additions made c.1970 to north-west of western wing with thorough renovations also being made throughout entire property. Multiple round and square plan towers, corner towers and corbelled bartizans attached to main blocks of building with ashlar limestone crenellated parapets throughout having squared and chamfered coping stones and some stepped battlements to corners of towers with parape

Type:
Castle/fortified house

Period:
1225–1975

Where:
Galway, Ireland

Coordinates:
53.53°N, 9.29°W

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