Parke’s Castle

The origins of Parke's Castle date back to the 16th century when a tower house belonging to the O'Rourkes stood on this site. However, it was destroyed after Brian O'Rourke granted refuge to the shipwrecked Spanish captain Francisco de Cuellar in 1588. De Cuellar reported O'Rourke's hospitality upon his return to Spain, prompting the English to destroy the tower house in 1590. O'Rourke fled to Scotland, was extradited, and executed in 1591. In the 17th century, the Englishman Robert Parke erected the current castle on the ruins of the destroyed tower house. He largely incorporated the pentagonal outer walls of the previous structure and added a three-story manor house to the east. Although the building appears fortified from the outside, it houses the comforts of a manor house within. In the late 20th century, the site was extensively restored by the Office of Public Works.

The castle is located in Kilmore, County Leitrim (Liatroma), in the Connacht region, Ireland. It stands at an elevation of approximately 14 meters above sea level, directly on the shore of Lough Gill.

Visitors can explore Parke's Castle today. The complex includes the preserved pentagonal outer walls, a dovecote, and stone buildings within the courtyard. Parts of the original moat are still discernible, and a sweat house is located at the western end.

• Markree Castle (castle), approx. 13.1 km away
• Tully Castle (ruin), approx. 40.6 km away
• Monea Castle (ruin), approx. 40.8 km away
• Portora Castle (ruin), approx. 45.1 km away