The 15th century O’Dea Castle (built in 1480) currently houses the Clare Archaeological Center. The castle is a fortified tower house which was built by Diarmaid O’Dea, Lord of Cineal Fearmaic. The base of the tower is 20 feet by 40 feet and the tower is 50 feet high. In 1651 the uppermost floors and staircase were badly damaged by the Cromwellians.
In 1968 an American tourist, John B. O’Day, a direct lineal descent of the builder, discovered that the Dysert O’Dea Castle was for sale. Between 1971 and 1983, he purchased the castle and began repairs to protect it. In 1986 it was opened to the public and houses a museum. Today it is considered to be one of the most authentically rebuilt castles in Ireland.
The model shown above shows how the vaulted ceilings were constructed.
Shown above is the castle’s workshop.
The Stairs:
Castle stairs are always interesting. They spiral upward with doors at various levels. The photographs below show some of the stairs.
View from the top:
The photographs below show the view from the roof of the castle.
As you may have noticed, it was one of those rare rainy days in Ireland when these pictures were taken.