Located across the road from a church and cemetery, this square keep is interesting enough from the outside and the main part of the inside, but the real thrill comes from the almost hidden staircase that leads to the roof. It’s built in the wall, and access is immediately to the right of the arched entrance.
It’s a bit of a scary spot, as most of the cornerstones have been removed, and it’s stability is questionable. Under the influence of cold and flu medication, a friend and I decided to be adventurous and have a go. We climbed to the roof and rooted around up there. There’s a bit of an unintended garden of trees and grass up there.
The site is in a field on private property, and I can’t say it’s safe to climb the stairs or enter the structure, but it sure was a memorable experience. There is a lovely churchyard and cemetery across the street and an interesting facade to another castle just down the road.
- Irish Antiquities: Ardmayle Castles
Ardmayle Castle – Photo by Corey Taratuta 
Carefully climbing down the hidden stairs at Ardmayle Castle
Written by Corey Taratuta
Corey hosts the Irish Fireside podcast and blog which has been named Best Blog of the Diaspora by the Irish Web Awards. His work has appeared on Google Field Trip, www.Lonely Planet.com, National Public Radio, www.WanderingEducators.com, www.BritMums.com, www.DiscoveryWorld.org, and elsewhere. His web community has been named finalist for the People’s Choice Podcast Awards and Irish Blog Awards, and his Irish travel program has ranked in the iTunes Top 50 Travel Podcasts. Corey’s Tips | Website
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