The Medieval Castles of Ireland

David Sweetman

‘The last few decades have seen enormous advances in the study of castles and other defensive sites in this country. Now at last a comprehensive synthesis is available’, John Waddell, Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society.

‘One man’s deep understanding of these monuments is imparted in this book’, Matthew Stout, Archaeology Ireland.

‘An in-depth guide to typology and chronology in Irish castles. This work will be indispensable to future generations of “castle students”. In addition, it will be an excellent guide for the general reader’, Éamonn Cotter, Journal of the Cork Archaeological and Historical Society.

“This journey through the rich tapestry of their architectural styles charts centuries of conquest, settlement and adaptation. The book deals with earth and time castles, moving through the Anglo-Norman stone fortresses and later medieval ones, to hall-houses and tower houses, fortified and stronghouses. [...] Two hundred original drawings and photographs are included, many of which will be instantly recognisable to castelophiles.” Paul Clements, The Irish Times, July 2026