Editing Architecture of Ireland (section)

==Medieval Ireland==
[[File:Jerpoint Abbey Arches 1997 08 28.jpg|thumb|right|Arches of [[Jerpoint Abbey]] in [[County Kilkenny]]]]
After early stone remains, the next most visible features in the Irish countryside are the innumerable castle remains, [[tower house]]s and intact castles. Apart from well-known and restored castles such as [[Bunratty Castle]], many unknown remains (particularly of tower houses) exist next to newer farmhouses, or again, simply in fields. [[Carrickfergus Castle]], built by [[John de Courcy]] in 1177, as his headquarters after his invasion of [[Ulster]], is the most perfectly preserved Norman castle on the island. The castle at [[Cahir]] is also a particularly well-preserved example.

Many fine churches in Ireland were also built during this time, such as [[St. Canice's Cathedral]] in [[Kilkenny]] and [[St. Mary's Cathedral, Limerick|St. Mary's Cathedral]] in [[Limerick]]. Most common was the [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] style, as seen at Cormac's Chapel on the [[Rock of Cashel]], and at Clonfert Cathedral in [[Galway]]. It was the [[Normans]] who brought the [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] style to Ireland, with such buildings as [[Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin|Christ Church]] and [[St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin|St. Patrick's Cathedral]] in Dublin.

[[File:Blarney Castle Ireland.jpg|thumb|[[Blarney Castle]]]]

Some of Ireland's main cities were built up and fortified before and during the mediaeval period. Limerick remained a walled city until the 18th century, while [[Derry]]'s medieval walls still stand today. Such features as [[King John's Castle (Limerick)|King John's Castle]] were built as major fortifications.

[[Cork (city)|Cork]] and [[Galway]] flourished as sea ports, with the establishment of extensive [[quay]]s in those cities, as well as Limerick and [[Dublin]]. Many ancillary buildings were built, such as granaries, storehouses, and early administrative buildings such as [[custom house]]s, [[tholsel]]s and [[market house]]s. Some were replaced, rebuilt or removed – many remaining port facilities date from more recent centuries.