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My Ireland

Looking for inspiration? Planning a trip? Or just want to scroll yourself happy? We'll show you an Ireland that's tailor-made for you.

  • #Landscapes
  • #CultureandHeritage
  • #OutdoorActivities
  • #Landmarks
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    Roche Castle - Header Roche Castle - Header

    Castle Roche

    An impressive Anglo-Norman fortress that sits proudly on a large rocky outcrop in County Louth
    • #Landmarks
    • #IrelandsAncientEast
    County Louth
    Historic landmarks
    55 mins from Dublin Airport
    star-wars-last-jedi-malin-head-county-donegal star-wars-last-jedi-malin-head-county-donegal

    Explore a striking medieval castle with an infamous origin story of a murder most foul!

    As the name suggests, Ireland’s Ancient East is home to a treasure trove of beguiling historic landmarks. Castle Roche is something of a hidden gem in the region, tucked away just a short hop north of Dublin city in the lush green countryside of “the Wee County”, as County Louth is colloquially known. The castle was built in 1236 on a strategically important site which marked the boundary between the Gaelic province of Ulster and the Anglo-Norman controlled area around Dublin known as “the Pale”. Uniquely for Ireland, this structure was erected by a woman, Lady Rohesia de Verdun, who settled here after the death of her husband. As the tale goes, Lady Rohesia promised her hand in marriage to the man who would build her a mighty home. After a lavish wedding in the banquet hall, she invited her new groom to the bridal suite and urged him to view the estate from the bedroom window. Shockingly, she then pushed her newly-wed husband OUT of the window and he plummeted to his death below. The window has since been known as the murder window and his vengeful ghost is said to haunt the castle ruins...

    The castle walls, remnants of the large hall and a twin-towered gatehouse are some of the features that endure from the original structure. Steep slopes and drops on three sides of the building situate the site above the surrounding landscape, providing expansive views of fields and hills – Ireland’s trademark patchwork quilt of green. This is a rugged spot that hasn’t changed much since it was attacked and ruined by Cromwellian forces in 1641. You won’t find any queues, ticket booths or such here. You may even have the castle all to yourself to explore. Just you, some cows mooing in a nearby field, and 800 years of history echoing on the wind.

    Roche Castle - Body Roche Castle - Body

    Castle Roche, County Louth

    Need to know

    1

    There is no car park so take care parking on the side of the road close to the castle.

    2

    Access to the castle is via farm gates – it’s important to keep these gates clear of cars and close them after use as the site is on private farmland.

    3

    The castle is located on rough and rocky terrain with steep drops so care needs to be taken when visiting.

    Things to see and do nearby

    Attraction

    County Louth Golf Club

    Visit website

    Louth

    View details

    Attraction

    Louth Adventures

    Visit website

    Louth

    View details

    Attraction

    Monasterboice High Cross and Round Tower

    Visit website

    Louth

    View details

    Attraction

    Carlingford Brewing Company

    Visit website

    Louth

    View details

    Attraction

    Carlingford Castle

    Visit website

    Louth

    View details

    Attraction

    Funtasia Theme Park Drogheda

    Visit website

    Louth

    View details

    Attraction

    County Museum Dundalk

    Visit website

    Louth

    View details

    Attraction

    Old Mellifont Abbey

    Visit website

    Louth

    View details

    Attraction

    Carlingford Greenway

    Visit website

    Louth

    View details

    Attraction

    Drogheda Museum Millmount

    Visit website

    Louth

    View details

    Accommodation

    Carlingford Adventure Centre

    Visit website

    Louth

    View details

    Attraction

    Slieve Gullion

    Visit website

    Armagh

    View details