Now in ruins this dramatic and imposing 13th Century Norman Castle later to pass into the hands of Hugh O' Connor, King of Connaught is quadrangular in plan with rounded bastions at the corners and a double-towered entrance gate. The whole castle was surrounded by outer walls defended at the angles with low circular towers.

Roscommon Castle, built about the reign of Edward I and similar in plan to the castles of Conway, Beaumaris and Harlech is built on rising ground at the north of the town. Although the castle changed hands several times during the wars of English and Irish, finally falling into the hands of Cromwellians who demolished its works in 1652, it was never a decisive stronghold and its history is poorly recorded.

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