Historic Castles and Fortifications

This collection explores the defensive and ceremonial landscape of North County Mayo, spanning over 5,000 years of history. From the Neolithic field systems at Céide Fields to the 12th-century Killala Round Tower, these sites showcase the region's architectural evolution. The selection features significant archaeological remains, including the legendary Dolmen of the four Maols in Ballina, the ruins of medieval strongholds like Rappa and Inishcoe, and ancient earthen fortifications such as Rathmulcah and Cullahoof Fort.

Céide Fields

The Céide Fields is an archaeological site on the north County Mayo coast in the west of Ireland, about 4.3 mi northwest of Ballycastle.

Killala Round Tower

A well-preserved 12th-century ecclesiastical tower standing 25 meters tall. It is one of the finest examples of a round tower in County Mayo, originally serving as a bell tower and place of refuge.

Rathfran Stone Circle

Rathfran Stone Circle is a stone circle and National Monument located in County Mayo, Ireland.

Inishcoe Castle

Ruins of a 13th-century fortress situated on the shores of Lough Conn. Originally a stronghold of the Barrett family, the site now consists of stone remains near the Enniscross House estate.

Rappa Castle

Ruins of a medieval tower house dating to the 14th or 15th century. Once a seat of the Bourke and Knox families, the structure was later incorporated into a 17th-century manor house.

Dolmen of the four Maols

A Bronze Age megalithic tomb located on a hill in Ballina. Local legend associates the site with the 6th-century execution of four brothers following the murder of Bishop Ceallach.

Cullahoof Fort

Archaeological remains of an ancient ringfort or earthen fortification located near Killala.

Rathmulcah Fort

Archaeological site featuring the remains of an ancient rath, or earthen ringfort, representative of early medieval defensive settlements in the region.