Name: Parkes Castle
Rating: 5.0

Parkes Castle

Kilmore, Co. Leitrim, F91 FP71, Ireland

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Parke’s Castle occupies a striking setting on the northern shores of Lough Gill in County Leitrim. A restored castle of the early seventeenth century, it was once the home of English planter Robert Parke. There is evidence of an earlier structure on the site, a tower house once owned by Sir Brian O’Rourke, lord of West Breifne.

O’Rourke, whom one English governor described as ‘the proudest man this day living on the earth’, resisted crown rule and fled Ireland, but ended up in the hands of Queen Elizabeth’s forces. He was thrown into the Tower of London, tried and finally hanged at Tyburn.

Price starts from €5.00 for Adults, €3.00 for Children and €13.00 for Family. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

The Visitor Centre: A warm welcome awaits you in the Visitor Centre. Begin your visit here and find out all there is to see and do. Admire the left-handed spiral staircase made of Irish oak. Don’t forget to call in again before you leave – our guides will provide you with maps and information so you can continue to explore what the region has to offer.
Take a Guided Tour: Learn all about the history of the O’Rourke and Parke families and what life was like in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Explore the many exhibits inside the castle walls. Take a stroll around the garden or see where people once steamed up in the sweathouse.
Audiovisual Magic: Sit and watch our short film, Stone by Stone, on the history and heritage of the region. Listen to the voice of W.B. Yeats reciting his poem ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’ and allow his poetry to introduce you to the beauty of Lough Gill and its surrounding area.
Bold Battlements: Stand on the castle wall walk, look out over the battlements and let your imagination run wild. Imagine yourself as a seventeenth-century lady or lord, living in the castle and enjoying the beautiful views of Lough Gill. Maybe you could imagine yourself as a poet like Yeats and take inspiration from the landscape.
Absorbing Exhibition: Have you ever heard of the Strawboys? Find out about them and much more besides as you explore the wonderful exhibition of vernacular buildings of the north-west region. Learn all about life and the local traditions associated with a traditional Irish cottage of the 1900s.
The Picture Find: Our picture find activity is great fun for children of all ages. Watch their excitement as they explore the castle, learning all about its history on the way!
Heritage Week: Enjoy the many interesting and varied events we host during Heritage Week. Relax and enjoy the sound of traditional music and harp recitals in the beautiful, quiet and atmospheric Banqueting Hall.