West of Cork City the bustling market town of Macroom is set in the picturesque Sullane River valley , a hidden gem that is a must see on your tours of Ireland. A gateway is all that remains of Macroom Castle , built by the MacCarthys. In 1654 the castle and town were granted by Cromwell to Admiral Penn , father of William Penn who founded Pennsylvania. About 3 miles West are the remains of Carrigaphooca Castle. According to tradition the rock on which it stands was haunted by a ‘pooca’ or malicious fairy.
