Location: banks of Lough Gill Map
Constructed: 1610 by Roger Parke
Parke’s Castle, located on the northern shores of Lough Gill in County Leitrim, Ireland, just over the border from County Sligo, is a beautifully restored 17th-century plantation-era manor house, also known as Newtown Castle. Built around 1610–1635 by English planter Robert Parke, it occupies the site of a 15th-century Gaelic tower house once owned by Sir Brian O’Rourke, lord of West Breifne. Managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), the castle is a striking example of a transitional structure, blending medieval defensive features with Renaissance domestic elegance. Its picturesque lakeside setting, turbulent history tied to the Elizabethan conquest and Spanish Armada, and meticulous restoration using traditional Irish oak and craftsmanship make it a significant cultural and historical landmark in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
Parke’s Castle’s history is rooted in the Gaelic lordship of West
Breifne, ruled by the O’Rourke (Uí Ruairc) clan, one of Connacht’s most
powerful families. The site, originally called Baile Nua (Newtown), was
a key stronghold for Sir Brian O’Rourke, who became chieftain in 1566
after a succession dispute. The O’Rourkes established a village here
after the Battle of Magh Slécht in 1256, and by the mid-15th century,
they had built a tower house, first mentioned in the Annals of Lough Cé
in 1546 as the site of a betrayal against O’Rourke by the MacCabe clan.
Brian O’Rourke’s tenure was marked by resistance to English colonial
expansion during the Tudor conquest. His castle at Newtown, along with
others at Leitrim and Dromahair, was dismantled in 1581 to prevent
English occupation. In 1588, O’Rourke sheltered survivors of the Spanish
Armada, including Captain Francisco de Cuellar, who was shipwrecked at
Streedagh Beach, County Sligo. De Cuellar later wrote of O’Rourke’s
hospitality, noting, “Although this chief is a savage, he is a good
Christian and an enemy of the heretics.” This act, during the
Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604), was deemed treasonous by the English. In
1590, Governor Richard Bingham attacked Newtown, forcing O’Rourke to
flee to Donegal’s Doe Castle and later Scotland. He was captured,
extradited to London, tried for treason, and executed at Tyburn in 1591.
His lands were confiscated by the Crown.
The confiscated estate
was leased around 1620 to Sir William Irving, a Scottish politician, and
later passed to Captain Robert Parke, an English planter from Kent who
arrived in Ireland around 1609 with his uncle, Roger Jones, a prominent
Sligo landowner. By 1630, Robert Parke, granted 1,500 acres as part of
the Ulster Plantation, began transforming the site into a fortified
manor house, using stones from O’Rourke’s demolished tower house. Parke
prospered, employing both Irish and English workers, including a Gaelic
harper, Dermond O’Farry, and earning about £1,000 annually from his
estate. He served as High Sheriff of Leitrim in 1656 and 1668, was
elected MP for Roscommon in 1641, and was appointed Justice of the
Peace, reflecting his integration into colonial administration.
During the 1641 Irish Rebellion, Parke attempted neutrality, avoiding
conflict with local Irish rebels. This drew the ire of fellow planter
Sir Frederick Hamilton of nearby Manorhamilton, who suspected Parke of
colluding with the Irish. In 1642, Hamilton burned Newtown village and
briefly arrested Parke, though Parke’s 60-strong garrison faced no
direct attack. Parke benefited from the Cromwellian land settlements,
acquiring thousands of acres in Sligo and Leitrim.
Tragedy struck
in 1677 when two of Parke’s children, Robert and Mary, drowned in a
boating accident on Lough Gill. Parke died in 1671, leaving the castle
to his daughter Anne, who married Sir Francis Gore and moved to Sligo.
The castle was abandoned by the end of the 17th century, falling into
disrepair. In the early 20th century, the Irish State acquired it, and
the OPW began restoration in the 1970s, fully reopening it to the public
in 1988.
Parke’s Castle is a three-story fortified manor house, built
within the pentagonal bawn (defensive courtyard) of O’Rourke’s
15th-century tower house. It represents a transitional design,
combining medieval defensive features with the domestic comforts of
a Jacobean manor, reflecting the plantation era’s blend of security
and status. The castle was constructed using local limestone and
sandstone, with stones from O’Rourke’s demolished tower repurposed
for the new structure. The OPW’s restoration (1980–1988) used
traditional Irish oak and 17th-century techniques, preserving its
historical integrity.
Exterior
The castle’s exterior is
both functional and elegant:
Pentagonal Bawn: The manor is
enclosed by O’Rourke’s original bawn, a spacious defensive wall with
five sides, retained by Parke for security. The eastern bawn wall
was rebuilt with gun loop merlons and crenellations, reflecting
early 17th-century artillery defenses.
Manor House: The
three-story manor, built on the eastern side, features large
mullioned windows and diamond-shaped chimneys, typical of Jacobean
architecture. These windows, larger than those in medieval tower
houses, indicate a shift toward domestic comfort.
Corner Towers:
Two round flanker towers guard the northern side, one integrated
into the manor and the other standalone, equipped with gun loops for
muskets. A dovecote in the northwest flanker adds a practical yet
decorative element.
Gatehouse: The northern gatehouse, with an
arched entrance and crenelated parapet, serves as the main entry to
the bawn. It includes a postern gate and sally port for discreet
exits.
Moat: A now-filled moat, likely fed by Lough Gill, once
surrounded the bawn, enhancing defense.
The castle’s lakeside
position, with no flankers on the southern shore, relies on the
natural barrier of Lough Gill, creating a stunning silhouette
against the water.
Interior
The interior, restored to its
17th-century appearance, offers insight into plantation-era life:
Great Hall: Located on the first floor, the great hall was used
for dining and entertaining, with a large fireplace, oak-beamed
ceiling, and mullioned windows. Replica furniture, including trestle
tables and benches, evokes the period.
Banqueting Hall: Adjacent
to the great hall, this room hosted feasts and social gatherings,
featuring restored plasterwork and period costumes on display.
Bedrooms: Upper floors contain private chambers with four-poster
beds and simple furnishings, reflecting the Parke family’s
lifestyle. The rooms are accessed via a clockwise spiral staircase,
designed for defense and possibly indicating Robert Parke’s
left-handedness, as alcoves suggest a downward-spiraling layout.
Kitchen and Service Areas: The ground floor includes a kitchen with
a massive hearth and stone sink, alongside storage rooms. A covered
well in the courtyard provided fresh water.
Forge: A
reconstructed thatched stone forge, complete with bellows,
demonstrates the castle’s self-sufficiency, used for tool-making and
horseshoeing.
Sweat House: A 12th-century sweat house, a
dome-shaped stone structure used as a medieval sauna, is a rare
surviving feature in the courtyard, highlighting Gaelic traditions.
Archaeological Features
Excavations in 1972–1975 revealed the
foundations of O’Rourke’s tower house beneath the courtyard cobbles,
now exposed for visitors. The cobbling, added by Parke, erased much
of the Gaelic structure, but the bawn walls and well preserve
elements of the earlier fortification.
Parke’s Castle is distinguished by its historical and architectural
elements:
O’Rourke Tower Foundations: The exposed base of the
15th-century tower house in the courtyard connects the castle to its
Gaelic past.
Defensive Stairway: The spiral staircase’s clockwise
design, with alcoves for defenders, is a rare feature tailored to the
owner’s possible left-handedness.
Sweat House: One of the oldest
structures on-site, this Gaelic sauna reflects pre-plantation
traditions.
Forge and Dovecote: These practical additions highlight
the castle’s self-sufficient economy, blending English and Irish
craftsmanship.
Lough Gill Views: The castle’s promontory offers
panoramic views of the lake, framed by the Dartry Mountains, making it a
photographer’s delight.
Parke’s Castle is a symbol of Ireland’s plantation era, reflecting
the colonial dynamics of the early 17th century. The transition from
O’Rourke’s Gaelic tower house to Parke’s English manor encapsulates the
displacement of native Irish lords by English settlers during the Ulster
Plantation. Brian O’Rourke’s execution and the sheltering of Spanish
Armada survivors highlight the castle’s role in the Elizabethan conquest
and Anglo-Spanish tensions. Robert Parke’s prosperity, neutrality during
the 1641 Rebellion, and employment of Irish workers illustrate the
complex relationships between planters and locals.
The castle’s
association with Francisco de Cuellar, whose writings provide a rare
Spanish perspective on Gaelic Ireland, adds a global dimension to its
history. The 1677 drowning of Parke’s children and the castle’s
abandonment evoke the transient nature of plantation life. The OPW’s
restoration, using traditional methods, underscores Ireland’s commitment
to preserving its heritage, making Parke’s Castle a model of
conservation.
Culturally, the castle is linked to the literary
legacy of W.B. Yeats, whose poem The Lake Isle of Innisfree celebrates
Lough Gill’s beauty. Boat tours to Innisfree Island, departing from the
castle’s jetty, connect visitors to this poetic heritage. The castle’s
inclusion in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands tourism initiative highlights
its role in promoting Leitrim’s history alongside sites like
Carrick-on-Shannon and Glencar Waterfall.
By the 19th century, Parke’s Castle was a ruin, with collapsed roofs and overgrown walls. The OPW’s acquisition in the 20th century and excavations from 1971–1975, led by the National Park and Monuments Branch, uncovered the O’Rourke tower’s foundations and informed the restoration. Between 1980 and 1988, the OPW restored the manor, gatehouse, and bawn using Irish oak for the roof, stairs, and floors, and traditional lime mortar for the walls. Local carpenters employed 17th-century techniques, such as mortise-and-tenon joinery, ensuring authenticity. The restoration preserved the castle’s transitional character, leaving the upper floors partially open to highlight its history as a ruin. Ongoing maintenance focuses on weatherproofing and grounds upkeep, with the OPW appointing guides to enhance visitor education.
Parke’s Castle is a popular attraction, drawing visitors for its
historical significance, architectural beauty, and idyllic lakeside
setting. Open seasonally from mid-March to early November (10:00 AM–6:00
PM, last admission 5:15 PM), it is managed by the OPW and offers guided
and self-guided experiences.
Guided Tours
Format: 45-minute
guided tours, offered hourly, cover the great hall, banqueting hall,
bedrooms, forge, and sweat house, with guides like Siobhan or Dara
sharing stories of the O’Rourkes, Parkes, and restoration. Tours
highlight the castle’s history, architecture, and Spanish Armada
connection.
Cost: €5 for adults, €3 for children/students, €4 for
seniors, €13 for a family (2+2). Free admission on the first Wednesday
of each month.
Booking: No pre-booking required, but groups (10+)
should contact the OPW at parkescastle@opw.ie or +353 71 916 4149.
Feedback: Visitors praise the guides’ knowledge and wit, noting the
tour’s engaging mix of history and anecdotes. The compact size allows a
thorough exploration in under an hour.
Self-Guided Exploration
Grounds and Exhibition: A printed guide sheet allows self-guided tours
of the courtyard, forge, and sweat house. The visitor center in the
gatehouse features an exhibition with artifacts (pottery, tools),
replica costumes, and life-size mannequins depicting plantation life.
Audiovisual Presentation: A 30-minute film, Stone by Stone, available in
four languages, details the castle’s history and restoration, though
some note it focuses more on the region than the castle itself.
Feedback: Self-guided visitors appreciate the guide sheet’s clarity and
the exhibition’s interactivity, especially for children. The outdoor
areas are enjoyable even in rain, with indoor exhibits providing
shelter.
Facilities
Tearoom: A seasonal tearoom (summer only)
serves tea, coffee, and light snacks, with outdoor seating overlooking
Lough Gill.
Restrooms and Parking: Public toilets with disability
access and a large car/coach park are available, free of charge.
Gift
Shop: Sells postcards, books on Irish history, and OPW merchandise.
Accessibility: The ground floor, courtyard, and visitor center are
wheelchair-accessible, but the upper floors involve steep stairs,
limiting access. Activity packs are provided for families.
Boat
Tours
Rose of Innisfree: A 1-hour boat tour of Lough Gill, departing
from the castle’s jetty, visits Innisfree Island and offers views of the
castle from the water. Tickets cost €15–20, booked separately through
Rose of Innisfree Tourboat.
Feedback: Visitors describe the tour as
“magical,” with commentary on Yeats and local wildlife (swans, herons)
enhancing the experience.
Events
Heritage Week (August): Free
tours, craft demonstrations (e.g., blacksmithing), and historical
reenactments.
Seasonal Events: Occasional music performances and
children’s workshops, such as medieval games.
Private Hire: The
grounds are available for weddings and events, with the banqueting hall
used for receptions (by arrangement with the OPW).
Getting There
Location: Kilmore, Fivemilebourne, Co. Leitrim, F91 FP71, 12 km east of
Sligo town, 7 km northwest of Dromahair on the R286.
By Car: 25
minutes from Sligo, 40 minutes from Carrick-on-Shannon, 2.5 hours from
Dublin via the N4/M4. Free parking is available.
By Public Transport:
The nearest train station is Sligo (12 km), with bus connections to
Dromahair (Bus Éireann route 462). Taxis or a 7-km walk from Dromahair
are required.
On Foot/Cycle: A scenic 12-km cycle path along Lough
Gill connects Sligo to the castle, popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
Nearby Attractions
Lough Gill (0 km): Ideal for boating, fishing,
and kayaking.
Innisfree Island (2 km by boat): Inspiration for Yeats’
poem, accessible via Rose of Innisfree tours.
Glencar Waterfall (10
km): A 15-meter waterfall, also linked to Yeats’ poetry.
Sligo Abbey
(12 km): A 13th-century Dominican friary.
Creevelea Friary (15 km): A
16th-century Franciscan friary near Dromahair.
Visitor Feedback
Visitors describe Parke’s Castle as a “hidden gem,” praising its
stunning lakeside setting, excellent restoration, and compact yet
informative tour. The guides’ storytelling, especially about O’Rourke
and the Armada, is a highlight, though some wish for more
castle-specific content in the audiovisual presentation. Families
appreciate the exhibition’s interactivity and the grounds’ open spaces,
but note the upper floors’ inaccessibility for those with mobility
issues. The presence of resident swans and the boat tour’s scenic views
are frequently mentioned as bonuses. Some find the €5 admission a
bargain, especially on free-entry days.
Parke’s Castle is a key monument of Ireland’s plantation history,
illustrating the cultural and political shifts of the early 17th
century. Its restoration by the OPW, using traditional methods, sets a
standard for heritage preservation, offering insights into both Gaelic
and colonial Ireland. The castle’s role in sheltering Spanish Armada
survivors connects it to European history, while its O’Rourke and Parke
legacies reflect the complexities of identity and power in
plantation-era Ireland.
As a centerpiece of Leitrim’s tourism,
Parke’s Castle supports the local economy, drawing visitors to explore
Lough Gill and nearby Sligo. Its inclusion in Ireland’s Hidden
Heartlands emphasizes its place in a network of cultural sites, from
Strokestown Park to the Arigna Mining Experience. The castle’s literary
connection to W.B. Yeats and its scenic beauty make it a draw for poets,
photographers, and history buffs alike. Unlike Leap Castle’s haunted
allure or Lismore’s aristocratic grandeur, Parke’s Castle offers a
quieter, yet equally compelling, narrative of Ireland’s past.