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Cloughoughter Castle

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Cloughoughter Castle in County Cavan is a unique island fortress situated on a small crannog-like islet within Lough Oughter. The circular tower house was originally initiated in the early 13th century by the Anglo-Normans under William Gorm de Lacy, but it was soon seized by the powerful O'Reilly clan, who utilized it as a vital military base for centuries. Its isolated location provided exceptional natural defense, rendering the castle nearly impregnable as it was accessible only by water. The site gained significant historical notoriety in 1649 as the place where the famous Irish general Owen Roe O'Neill died after being wounded during campaigns against parliamentary forces. Cloughoughter also holds the distinction of being the last fortress in Ireland to surrender to Oliver Cromwell's army in 1653, after which it was deliberately breached by heavy cannon fire. Today, the pretty ruins standing amidst the lake are among the most photographed landmarks in Cavan, serving as a poignant symbol of Gaelic resistance.

Location: Ireland
Top sights: Old Fort · Trinity Abbey · Clogh Oughter Castle
Nearby: Longford (37 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	4	4	5	8	11	13	15	14	13	10	7	5
Rain mm	105	82	83	71	87	96	104	112	90	110	112	108

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Cloughoughter Castle is a circular island ruin on Lough Oughter, reachable only by boat. Viewing is possible from the outside, while the interior is usually not accessible.

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Typical hours

As the castle is on an island, visits are weather-dependent and require a boat trip. Access is generally easier in summer and during calm water conditions.

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Photography

Outdoor photography is unrestricted and features spectacular views of the castle in the lake. A telephoto lens is helpful since the castle is photographed from the shore.

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Time needed

A boat trip to the castle and external viewing takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Allow extra time for reaching the lake shore and returning.

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Combine with

Combine with other attractions in County Cavan, such as the Cavan Burren Park. The nearby town of Belturbet also provides historic walks.

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Getting there

The castle is accessed via Lough Oughter, with boat hire available locally. The nearest public access point is at Killeshandra Loop or Inishconnell Bridge.

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Insider tip

Bring binoculars to better see details of the ruin from the shore. Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography.

Geography

Coordinates

54.00440, -7.48530

Facts

Unique circular island fortress in the middle of Lough Oughter
Originally Anglo-Norman, later a seat of the O'Reilly clan
Deathplace of General Owen Roe O'Neill in 1649
Last fortress in Ireland to surrender to Cromwell in 1653
Only accessible by boat or kayak from the shore
Located within the scenic Killykeen Forest Park area

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cavan8 km · EExplore →

Lough Gowna16 km · SExplore →

Slieve Anierin32 km · WExplore →

Fore Abbey36 km · SExplore →

Devenish Island37 km · NExplore →

Longford37 km · SWExplore →

📍Enniskillen39 km · NExplore →

Carrick-on-Shannon40 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Cloughoughter Castle (5)

Old Fort

Archaeological site. Remains of an ancient fortification.

Trinity Abbey⛪ church

Former house of the Premonstratensian Canons on Lough Oughter, Co. Cavan. Daughter house of Trinity Abbey in Co. Roscommon.

Clogh Oughter Castle🏰 castle

Ruined castle in Ireland. Stands on an island in Lough Oughter.

Saint Brigid's Church

Church in Killeshandra, County Cavan, Ireland. Place of worship.

Killeshandra Church of Ireland

Church of Ireland church in County Cavan. Anglican place of worship.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do you reach Cloughoughter Castle?

Only by boat or kayak, as it is located on a small island in Lough Oughter.

Can you rent kayaks there?

Yes, local providers in Killykeen Forest Park rent out kayaks.

When was the castle built?

It dates back to the early 13th century.

What shape is the castle?

It is a rare circular tower house.

Was anyone famous imprisoned there?

Bishop William Bedell was held there during the 1641 rebellion.

Cloughoughter Castle: where is it located?

Cloughoughter Castle is located in Ireland.

Cloughoughter Castle: what is there to see?

Highlights include Old Fort, Trinity Abbey, Clogh Oughter Castle.

Cloughoughter Castle: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Cloughoughter Castle: why is it worth visiting?

Cloughoughter Castle in County Cavan is a unique island fortress situated on a small crannog-like islet within Lough Oughter.

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