Tynte's Castle is an urban tower house and was built in the 15th century by the Walshes, a rich merchant family, and it's the only tower house of the several ones that used to be in Youghal to be found in the town.
During the Desmond Rebellion (1569-1583) the Walshes lost possession of the castle and the property was transferred to the Corporation. Towards the end of the reign of King James I it was leased indefinitely to Sir Robert Tynte, fifth son of Edmund Tynte of Wraxhall, Somerset, from whom the tower house got his name.
In the 19th century the building was heavily altered to convert it to a dry goods and grain store.
It has a southwest (230°) doorway protected by a machicolation above it. The ground and first floor are vaulted. The tower has a number of pointed loop windows. The castle is now property of the McCarthy family who has been carrying out works in the last fifty years to restore the tower house and prevent major decay due to the elements, pollution and traffic vibration.
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