A remote 13th-century Norman ruin perched on a rocky limestone outcrop, said to be the first castle built by a woman in Ireland — and the scene of a legendary "murder window".
Follow the rock-cut ditches around the triangular curtain walls — the longest span is nearly 72 m — to the twin-towered gatehouse and the remains of a great hall with its window seats. Viewing is exterior only while interior works continue.
Legend says Lady Rohesia promised marriage to the architect who built her a castle, then pushed her new husband out of the bedroom window on their wedding night; his ghost is said to haunt the ruins.
The lofty position gives sweeping views in all directions, taking in the surrounding countryside and portions of South Armagh known as The Fews.
A rugged, quiet spot with grazing cattle nearby that hasn't changed much since Cromwellian forces ruined it in 1641 — expect no queues and often no other visitors.
Carlingford Castle is about 19 km away and Old Mellifont Cistercian Abbey roughly 34 km, making easy add-ons to a day in County Louth.
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