This book examines the social role of castles in late-medieval and early modern Ireland. It uses a multidisciplinary methodology to uncover the lived experience of this historic culture, demonstrating the interconnectedness of society, economics and the environment. Of particular interest is the revelation of how concerned pre-modern people were with participation in the economy and the exploitation of the natural environment for economic gain. Material culture can shed light on how individuals shaped spaces around themselves, and tower houses, thanks to their pervasiveness in medieval and modern landscapes, represent a unique resource. Castles are the definitive building of the European Middle Ages, meaning that this book will be of great interest to scholars of both history and archaeology. 'This is a well-produced and attractive book, and McAlister has demonstrated her ability to write in a clear and accessible fashion, creating a text that is sure to be consulted by anyone engaged in the study of castles in late medieval Ireland.' Antiquity 'This is an informative and refreshing approach to tower house studies [...] This will become an important book for anyone studying many aspects of medieval and early modern Ireland.' Ulster Archaeological Society 'McAlister's volume is ambitious and sets out to do what it intended, and is undoubtedly a valuable contribution to the study of tower houses - indeed it is the first large scale work to focus solely on tower houses, something which came of a surprise to the reviewer. Any reader will come away with a richer understanding of these ubiquitous structures on the Irish landscape.' The Standing Stone ' [...] a well-researched and useful study of the economy of Ireland during this period and the place of the tower house in that economy.' Vernacular Architecture Tower houses are the definitive building of medieval Ireland. This study investigates their significant social role, which has previously gone underappreciated. Innovative conclusions stem from an interdisciplinary methodology that demonstrates the interconnectedness of society, economics and the environment in medieval culture. The Irish tower house examines the social role of castles in late-medieval and early modern Ireland. It uses a multidisciplinary methodology to uncover the lived experience of a wide range of people. This enables exploration of the castle's context, including how they were used as social tools and in environmental exploitation for economic gain. Tower houses are the ubiquitous building of pre-modern Ireland. Extant examples number in the thousands. The book follows the movement of trade goods from environmental exploitation to entry into global economic networks, maintaining a focus on the role of the tower house in facilitating each step. Studying historic settlements provides insights into how people lived, and by progressively broadening its scope, the book demonstrates how the tower house can be used as a medium for analysing the impact of global trends at the local level. Combining archival evidence with archaeological fieldwork and on-site surveys, it presents a fresh perspective on one of the best-known manifestations of Irish archaeology. Challenging traditional interpretations of the Middle Ages, The Irish tower house finds new evidence for the agency of previously overlooked individuals and new insights into the transition from medieval to modern. It will be of interest to students and academics from a range of academic disciplines, including archaeology and history, as well as castle enthusiasts. Victoria McAlister is Assistant Professor of History at Southeast Missouri State University Victoria L. McAlister is Assistant Professor of History at Southeast Missouri State University