The Islands of Ireland: MacDermott’s castle in the air

The crows are the kings of Castle Island. Multitudes of them idle in the trees, screeching, or maraud around the battlements. This dark avian display adds to the Gothic nature of the place. Castle Island, Lough Key, Co Roscommon.

High, Norman-type arched windows, a limestone facade blackened over the years. A deserted castle, no one around. Trees and briars make access almost impossible. What on earth happened here? A sign warns hopeful visitors to stay away. The walls are dangerous. Chunks of masonry may come down. Sure enough, inside the castle, an entire wall looks ready to peel away and come crashing down.