Carrigaphooca Castle

About this place

Carrigaphooca Castle (Irish: Caisleán Charraig a' Phúca meaning "castle on the rock of the fairy"; the word púca translates as ghost or fairy) is a ruined five storey rectangular tower house situated on a steep-sided rock overlooking the River Sullane. Carrigaphooca 6 km west of Macroom, County Cork, Ireland, in an area once known as Gleann na n-Dearg ("valley of the reds"). The tower dominates the landscape of Lissacresig (Fairyland) in Clondrohid, and Lower Shanballyshane, in Kilnamartyra. Carrigaphooca is made of sandstone and limestone and was built as a defensive tower by the MacCarthys of Muskerry in the early 15th century. Carrigaphooca is positioned in an area rich with Neolithic monuments; Carrigaphooca Stone Circle lies two fields to the east, with a large standing stone (gallán) to the west. The tower is located on private property, and is no longer accessible to the public, although it is owned by the state and maintained by the Office of Public Works.

Visitor Information

Heritage status

Protected Heritage Site

Getting There & Parking

Carrigaphooca Castle is located in County Cork, roughly 47 km (40 min drive) from Killarney and 315 km (4h 40m) from Dublin. Nearby highlights within a short drive include Carrigaphooca Stone Circle (0.3 km away).