03 Apr Kilcolman Castle, County Cork
A single small tower is all that remains of the castle where, during the late 16th century, the poet Edmund Spenser lived. In 1580 he had gone to Ireland as secretary to the Lord Deputy, who was in charge of crushing the rebellious Irish population. As a reward for his part in subjugating the province of Munster, Spenser was granted Kilcolman, where he wrote most of The Faerie Queene, his masterpiece. In 1598 the castle was attacked by a mob and burnt. Though Spenser and his wife escaped, their infant son lost his life.
Kilcolman Castle is a real hidden gem and worth a visit on your tours of Ireland.