Roache Castle

Roache Castle (also known as Roche Castle) is a superb Anglo-Norman castle near Dundalk in County Louth, Ireland. Now in ruins, it was built on an imposing rocky mound overlooking the surrounding countryside. The place is often deserted, captivating and silent… You’d think no one would go near it for miles around! A must-see!

History of Roach Castle

A castle devastated by Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell – Domaine Publicncva v

There are castles in Ireland with a brutal and bloody history. Château de Roache is no exception, and has been the scene of many fateful fates.

It all began in 1236, when Lady Rohesa Verdun decided to offer herself in marriage to the first man capable of building her a castle worthy of the name. An architect accepted, married her and built an impressive Anglo-Norman fortress.

Barely finished, legend has it that Lady Roseha Verdun took her husband to their bedroom at the top of the castle. While admiring the view, he was violently pushed out of the window by his wife, dying on the steep rocks a few metres below!

To this day, people refer to the famous window as “The Murder Window”. And stories about the Black Widow abound in the region!

After this episode, the château was handed down from generation to generation within the same family… Until the castle was sadly destroyed in 1641, following repeated assaults by the terrible Oliver Cromwell and his troops.

Visit Roache Castle

A unique and atypical fortress

Today, the castle is open to the public, allowing visitors to discover the magnificent remains of a castle now abandoned. With its imposing surrounding wall and deep moat, it features 2 imposing towers and a round outpost tower.

Its triangular shape is truly original compared with Anglo-Norman castles of the same period. It seems to have adopted this shape to better suit the rocky spur on which it was built.

It featured a large banquet hall and bedrooms for members of the Verdun family. According to historians, the château has seen many periods of splendour, and many feasts were held within its walls, where the festivities were in full swing!

Inside the perimeter wall, there was also a vast inner courtyard and a dungeon. However, few remains remain.

Last but not least, the courtyard featured a well known as the Puits de St Ronan. At the time, it was considered a real strategic asset, ensuring that the castle’s inhabitants never ran out of water, even under siege!

Don’t hesitate to take a stroll! Château de Roache is a little-known secret among travelers. This allows you to take your time exploring the area, without being overwhelmed by the crowds!

Take your time and enjoy the silence, the mysteries of these stone walls… It’s a magical place with an indescribable atmosphere. Just be careful not to touch the ruins: they’re fragile!

Last but not least, the castle was built on the territory of legendary mythological creatures such as Cuchulainn! For some Irish people, the place is almost sacred, the bearer of unsolved legends and mysteries! The land of fairies, leprechauns and legendary heroes!