Carrigadrohid Castle stands on a small rocky island in the River Lee, a short distance west of Macroom in County Cork. The tower house dates to the 15th century and is traditionally associated with the MacCarthy (Mac Carthaigh) family, who held significant power in the region during the late medieval period. Its position – rising directly from the river – gave it both strategic value and a striking, isolated presence that remains today.

The castle later became linked to one of the most turbulent periods in Irish history: the Cromwellian conquest of the mid-17th century.

In 1650, following the nearby Battle of Macroom, Carrigadrohid was besieged by Cromwellian forces. At the time, it is said to have been held by Irish forces under the influence of Bishop Boetius (Boetius or Thaddeus) MacEgan, Bishop of Ross. According to historical accounts, MacEgan had taken refuge in the castle and was present during the siege.

When Cromwellian troops took control of the area, MacEgan was captured. Rather than being executed at the castle itself, he was taken to Macroom, where he was put to death. Tradition holds that he was hanged using the reins of his own horse – an act remembered locally as both brutal and symbolic.

It is from this event that the castle’s reputation for haunting is said to arise.

Local tradition claims that the spirit of the bishop remains associated with Carrigadrohid Castle and its surroundings. While there are no verifiable records of sightings, the story persists as part of the folklore of the area, with the castle’s isolated setting and turbulent history lending weight to its reputation.