The Castle layout
This was situated at the north-eastern corner. It had more windows than the other towers, and at times was used as residence of the lord deputy. Lord Sussex in the 16th century got rid of the roof covering so he could create a platform for cannon. This tower was also known as the Powder Tower and was demolished in 1711.
No 27: Castle Gate
This was located at the existing entrance in Castle Street. It had two round towers, between each were a gate, portcullis and drawbridge. The towers were rebuilt in 1617 and were officially demolished during the 18th century. The turret on the Genealogical office was built on the remains of the western tower.
No 28: Cork Tower
This tower was destroyed in 1624 and rebuilt in 1629 at the expense of the earl of Cork whose coat of arms bore its mark.
No 29: Bermingham Tower
This stood at the south-western corner of the castle. It was built during the 14th century and was used as a prison and for the storage of records. In 1775 it was hit by an explosion of gunpowder and rebuilt two years later on the original sloping base There are also some remains of the original curtain wall between this and the middle tower.
No 30: Record Tower
This tower still stands at the south-eastern corner of the castle. It went by two other names: The Black Tower and the Wardrobe Tower. It is a big circular tower three storeys high with walls 10ft. thick. The battlements on top were added in 1819. It was from this tower that Red Hugh O’Donnell escaped in 1591.
No 31: Middle Tower
This was a small tower mid-way along the south curtain wall. It was demolished some time before 1766 and a polygonal tower, which still stands, was constructed on this site.
No 27: Castle Gate
This was located at the existing entrance in Castle Street. It had two round towers, between each were a gate, portcullis and drawbridge. The towers were rebuilt in 1617 and were officially demolished during the 18th century. The turret on the Genealogical office was built on the remains of the western tower.
No 28: Cork Tower
This tower was destroyed in 1624 and rebuilt in 1629 at the expense of the earl of Cork whose coat of arms bore its mark.
No 29: Bermingham Tower
This stood at the south-western corner of the castle. It was built during the 14th century and was used as a prison and for the storage of records. In 1775 it was hit by an explosion of gunpowder and rebuilt two years later on the original sloping base There are also some remains of the original curtain wall between this and the middle tower.
No 30: Record Tower
This tower still stands at the south-eastern corner of the castle. It went by two other names: The Black Tower and the Wardrobe Tower. It is a big circular tower three storeys high with walls 10ft. thick. The battlements on top were added in 1819. It was from this tower that Red Hugh O’Donnell escaped in 1591.
No 31: Middle Tower
This was a small tower mid-way along the south curtain wall. It was demolished some time before 1766 and a polygonal tower, which still stands, was constructed on this site.