This view, from the "Outer Ward" of the Castle, shows its formidable defenses.  Even from here, an attacker would have to make his way through the single narrow door, and this would only bring him to the "Middle Ward," and its formidable portcullis (below).

This image reveals the "Middle Ward," where an enormous wall and another door meets you.  This portcullis (raised gate) is the only working portcullis in Ireland.  The "traps" above the portcullis enabled defenders to drop hot oil and other goodies on attackers.

The "Inner Ward" (the passageway in the lower left is the other side of the portcullis passage).  Even here, substantial defenses protect the family of the Castle from attack.

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