Parke's Castle
Parke's Castle is a restored 17th-century fortified manor house sitting right on the shore of Lough Gill, built by English planter Robert Parke on the site of an earlier O'Rourke stronghold. What makes it interesting is the layering of history visible in the stones: a Plantation-era house grafted onto a native Gaelic tower house site, restored using traditional methods and materials by the OPW in the 1970s-80s, including oak beams sourced and worked the old way. The setting is as much the draw as the building — the castle looks out over Lough Gill's still water toward the Sligo hills, and it's one of the launch points for boat trips on the lake, including to the Lake Isle of Innisfree made famous by W.B. Yeats's poem. Guided tours cover the castle's construction, the Plantation period, and the O'Rourke clan who controlled this part of Leitrim before the English arrived. It's a compact, atmospheric site that works well combined with a scenic drive around the lough.
Parke's Castle FAQs
No, it generally operates on a seasonal schedule and is typically closed in winter months — check current OPW dates before visiting.
Yes, boat tours on Lough Gill, including to the Lake Isle of Innisfree, generally depart from near the castle in season.
Access to the courtyard is generally free, but the interior is usually seen via a short guided tour included in the admission fee.
Yes, the site was originally an O'Rourke tower house before English planter Robert Parke built the current fortified manor house on it in the 17th century.
Around an hour is typical, including the guided tour, more if you add a boat trip on the lough.
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