Shane's Castle, formerly Edenduffcarrick () is a ruined castle near Randalstown in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The castle is on the north-east shores of Lough Neagh. Built in 1345 by a member of the Clandeboy O'Neill dynasty, it was originally called Eden-duff-carrick. Shane MacBrien O'Neill changed the name to Shane's Castle in 1722.
Introduction
Shane's Castle
Shane's Castle | Introduction
A member of the Clandeboy O'Neill dynasty. By a member of the Clandeboy O'Neill dynasty. By a member of the Clandeboy O'Neill dynasty By a member of the Clandeboy O'Neill dynasty.
the wolf and the lion game of thrones episode
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Fifth episode
assistant
can you mention any characters from this episode?
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Lord Eddard Stark, Tyrion Lannister, Catelyn Stark
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can you mention any actor from this episode?
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Finn Jones, Kate Dickie, Lino Facioli, Brendan McCormack were some of them.
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where was the episode shot?
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The Paint Hall studio, Shane's Castle, Fort St Angelo (Maltese town of Vittoriosa).
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the castle that you just mentioned, is it a real castle?
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Yes, it is a ruined castle near Randalstown in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
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when was it built?
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1345
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by whom?
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Shane's Castle, formerly Edenduffcarrick () is a ruined castle near Randalstown in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The castle is on the north-east shores of Lough Neagh. Built in 1345 by a member of the Clandeboy O'Neill dynasty, it was originally called Eden-duff-carrick. Shane MacBrien O'Neill changed the name to Shane's Castle in 1722.
Shane's Castle | Introduction
According to Westropp, it was built in 1430 by "Donall, son of Shane an Gabhaltais."
Ballymarkahan Castle | Introduction
The Castle Shane Estate, the former country estate in the area, was originally owned by Francis Lucas, eldest son of Henry Lucas and his second wife Alyce Bradocke. Francis was born circa 1553. His descendants held Castle Shane (spelled as two separate words), the country house on the Castle Shane Estate, for many generations. The original castle on the site may have been late medieval. However, the castle was largely rebuilt for Francis Lucas, probably in the late Elizabethan style, around 1591. This was the architectural style chosen when the castle was rebuilt as a country house for the Lucas-Scudamore dynasty, beginning in 1836.
Castleshane, County Monaghan | Castle Shane Estate
The new country house was built in a mixture of the neo-Elizabethan style and the neo-Jacobean style. Castle Shane (the country house) consisted of a four-storey tower with corner bartizans and a main three storey block. The mansion burned down in 1920 and very little of it remains. The house had three centre bays with three sided bays to each side with mullioned windows, curvilinear gables and neo-Tudor chimneys. All that remains is part of a three-storey bay window and gable end. There is also a gatelodge and a bellcote in the walled garden. Most of the former Castle Shane Demesne, which includes the remains of Castle Shane, the country house itself, is now mainly in ruins and belongs in majority to Coillte, the Irish forestry body.
Castleshane, County Monaghan | Castle Shane Estate
The earliest phase of construction at the castle site dates to the twelfth- and thirteenth-centuries, and the castle's remains dating from this period closely resemble the earliest remains of Castle Sween.
Gilchrist MacNachtan | Introduction
The castle is used extensively in the HBO TV series "Game of Thrones".
Shane's Castle | Film location
But rejecting overtures from Thomas Radclyffe, 3rd Earl of Sussex, the lord deputy from 1556, Shane refused to help the English against the Scottish settlers on the coast of Antrim, allying himself instead with the MacDonnells, the most powerful of these immigrants.
Shane O'Neill (Irish chieftain) | Introduction
The Castle no longer stands. However, it is known that it was a rectangular tower house built by the Bishop Fraser between 1497 and 1507.
Chanonry of Ross | Construction
In 1232 the castle was inherited by John's son, William de Braose, and in turn his son, also called William. In the second half of the century, Wales saw a renewal of fighting, and the castle was attacked again in 1251. The decision was taken to improve the castle's defences and, as part of this, a square, stone tower was added to the castle to provide living accommodation, with three chambers, the first floor containing a garderobe and a fireplace. A gateway was constructed through the curtain wall just to the south of the tower. Two further stone buildings were constructed within the castle walls.
Loughor Castle | 13th–14th centuries
The castle at Edenduffcarrick now called Shane's Castle has long been a key family in the Clannaboy clan of O'Neills. Shane MacBrien O'Neill changed the name to Shane's Castle in 1722. After the Plantation of Ulster, some O'Neill families converted to the Church of Ireland and began to intermarry with the new nobility coming from England. One such union between Mary O'Neill, the daughter of Henry O'Neill the lord of Shane's Castle, and Arthur Chichester. It is through this marriage that the present day Barons of Shane's Castle trace their lineage to the royal family of O'Neill. The present day title of Baron O'Neill of Shane's Castle is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom.
O'Neill dynasty | O'Neills of Shane's Castle
Most were built in the late Middle Ages (roughly 1350–1550). Audley's was built towards the end of this period.
Audley's Castle | Introduction
The 'castle', actually a fortified house, was built in the late 16th century. It provided a refuge in 1690 for James II and his army fleeing the Battle of the Boyne. One explanation for its name is that a ghost or "puca" inhabited the castle. In June 1867 the daughter of a local Englishman disappeared near the castle. Jane Eleanor Sherrard, daughter of Henry and Margaret Sherrard left her nearby home to pick flowers for the dinner table. When she failed to return home that evening the police were notified and a widespread search was conducted. The last confirmed sighting of Jane was by the local postman, who reported to have seen her picking flowers at the foot of the castle's northern wall.
Shankill, Dublin | Puck's Castle
"Further information: Loughmoe castle" Hugh only built one of the towers. Hugh's contribution to the castle was well-constructed and built in a defensive style. As can be seen in the image, the two later additions have sharp corners and wide windows, while the prior tower has rounded corners, making it less vulnerable to cannon and artillery fire.
Hugh Purcell of Loughmoe | Loughmoe castle under Hugh Purcell
An early account from around 1690 does not mention a builder of the castle by name:
Croom Castle | O'Donovan fortress
The present castle was probably built in the 1620s and was surrendered to Oliver Cromwell's forces in the 1640s.
Dunasead Castle | History
The oldest part of the castle was built in the thirteenth century, and consists of a four-storey tower-house. Additions were made by the Purcell family in the seventeenth century. The family lived in Loughmoe Castle until around 1760. The land in which it was built on was granted to Sir Hugh Purcell in 1204 as a dowry from Beatrix FitzWalter's father, Theobald FitzWalter. At the same time this was built, a mill was erected not far from the castle. The first Baron of Loughmoe was Sir Hugh Purcell, who was given the title by James Butler, first Earl of Ormonde and descendant of Theobald FitzWalter.
Loughmoe Castle | History
This castle was constructed in 1239 by Jordan de Exeter, Sheriff of Connacht and was the ancient seat of the Mac Siúrtáin (MacJordans). The castle came under attack in 1316 by the King of Connacht, Fedlim Ó Conchobair and was almost destroyed.
Ballylahan Castle | History
There are three tall chimneys clustering at the north end of the nave. There is believed to have originally been another storey which was knocked down as a result of a fire. A 19th century single storey wing has been added to the north of the old house. In the 16th century the building was owned by The 1st Earl of Essex, Lord Deputy of Ireland under Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland.
Durhamstown Castle | Introduction
Shane's Castle Park, Sharvogues, Skady Tower
Drummaul | S
In 1293 John FitzThomas FitzGerald, 4th Lord of Offaly built a castle at Sligo. The next year, it was levelled by O'Conchobair. In 1309 O' Conchobair was killed by Aedh Breifnech, of the Clan Murtagh O'Conor, who held the kingship for one year.
Hugh McOwen O'Conor | Introduction
The castle was built on a rock overlooking the River Shannon by the O'Connell's. It was the seat of the chief of Hy-Cuilean, a territory south-east of Abbeyfeale, in the barony of Upper Connello near the borders of Cork and Kerry. The castle then came into the possession of the O'Briens of Thomond. The castle was blown up by General Godert de Ginkel during the War of the Two Kings.
Castle Connell | History
The castle was originally a basic, 5-storied Irish tower house which was built circa 1480-90, probably by Toirdhealbhach Donn Ó Briain of the O'Brien family, one of the last of the High Kings of Ireland and a direct descendant of Brian Boru. In 1543, Turlogh Donn's son, Murrough surrendered his title of King to Henry VIII and was created in 1st Earl of Thomond and Baron Inchiquin. In 1550, Murrough gave Leamaneh to his third son, Donough. Donough was hanged in Limerick in 1582 as a rebel.
Leamaneh Castle | Early structure
Mahoonagh Castle was built by the FitzGeralds at the end of the 12th or the beginning of the 13th century. In later years the Castle was owned by the Fitzgibbons. The English occupied it but in 1598 another Fitzgibbon descendant of those who once owned the castle – attacked it and gained possession of it. There is an interesting story of how this Thomas Fitzgibbon-Macgibbon succeeded in taking over the Castle. He had a servant named Casey. Nobody Knows how Casey came to be in the Castle with the English, but on Shrove Tuesday morning he rose early, he Climbed to the top of the tower unobserved by the inmates and whistled.
Mahoonagh | Castles
St. Paul's Cathedral was later built on its site.
Dundee Castle | Introduction
The castle was sited on and near an earlier native fortification known as a "cathair" (stone fort), which gave its name to the place. The core structure of the castle dates to construction in the 13th century by the O'Brien family. The castle was built in two parts, with the side now by the street being built 200 years before the side now housing the audio-visual show. Granted to the powerful Butler family in late 14th century, the castle was enlarged and remodelled between the 15th and 17th centuries. It fell into ruin in the late 18th century and was partially restored in the 1840s.
Cahir Castle | Construction
This was anciently the site of a ringfort named Cathair Gobhann, "the smith's cathair", belonging to the Uí Rossa tribe of Mogh Ruith. The castle was built in the 1420s by James FitzGerald, 6th Earl of Desmond, who bought the land from William, Lord Barry around 1418. Confiscated by the Crown after the Second Desmond Rebellion (1579–1583), the castle passed to Philip Sidney. He granted it, together with of land, to Edmund Spenser around 1586–1588. He refurbished the castle and lived there for ten years, during which time, he wrote his epic poem "The Faerie Queene" (published 1590–96), inspired by the Tudor conquest of Ireland and influenced by the wild Munster scenery.
Kilcolman Castle | History
At the time the castle was built the Shannon, as it passed through Athlone, was very different from today. It is likely that in the early days of its existence the castle enjoyed the protection of a fosse or moat. The castle was greatly fortified in the late 13th century (c1276) when the original ‘motte’ was surrounded with a curtain wall with three-quarter round towers (or drum towers) at the corner. These features, again greatly rebuilt, still survive today. The castle was reconstructed by Sir William Brabazon in 1547. The external walls and towers came under heavy fire during the Sieges of Athlone in 1690-91 and were later destroyed when lightning struck the castle in 1697.
Athlone Castle | History
On Henry's death in 1764, the estate went to his son, Richard, who like his father attained high political office. Richard carried out further extensions to the mansion house. It was also during this period that Lancelot "Capability" Brown landscaped the estate and planted woods.
Castlemartyr | Earls of Shannon
Southern tower The southern tower was built much earlier than the remainder and includes arrow holes, murder holes, spiral staircases and rounded corners. There are still staircases and different floors remaining in the old, 13th century tower. However, the remainder, built sometime later, is now in ruins.
Baron of Loughmoe | Castle
In 1834, Philip Dixon Hardy published an account of his 1828 journey to the "vale of Castle Donovan", including a drawing in which several of the outbuildings can still be seen, in the "Dublin Penny Journal". He says:
Castle Donovan | Introduction
The castle became the property of the Earls of Arran in 1544.
Kildonan Castle | Introduction
There is some debate as to the precise date of the castle. Gifford discusses the possibility that the defensive structures date from the original, 14th-century castle, which was then rebuilt as a hunting lodge in the 15th century. However, he concludes that it is not impossible that the majority of the castle dates from the 15th century.
Morton Castle | Construction date
O'Conor et al. identified a late medieval tower house on the interior of main standing building. An arrow slot and medieval windows are found on the western wall of this tower house. The additions on either side of the tower, as well as the kitchen on the eastern side of the tower, were added by the architect John Nash in the early nineteenth century. At that time, windows were inserted into the later medieval tower house. The enclosure wall was modified on the northern end of the island in order to provide a view from the main window inserted into the tower.
McDermott's Castle | Building
The castle was garrisoned by ten men and commanded by John St. Barbe. It was partially destroyed by Red Hugh O’Donnel in 1595. The castle was again sacked in 1642 and fell out of use by 1680.
Ballinafad Castle | Introduction
Sean Reynolds built a 'Castle' at Gowly townland on a peninsula called Castle Island. Castle John was three stories high and surrounded by good rock land. Between Castle Sean was residence to Sean Reynolds (d. 1619), Humphrey his son (d. 1661), Sean his grandson (captured and probably executed during the Irish Rebellion of 1641) and another grandson James (d. 1729), who probably abandoned the Castle during his lifetime. Dilapidated ruins of Castle Sean () remain today, but are not preserved as national monument, tourist, or heritage site. Some of the building collapsed but was repaired by a heritage preservation society.
Lough Scur | Castle Sean
Given the prominent position, it is likely that the location was used for previous fortifications, but no traces of such are visible today. In the late 14th century, Lochlan MacCon O'Connor reportedly built a fortress at the site. The current tower house resembles Leamaneh Castle in that it was constructed over a prolonged period. The oldest part is the tall eastern tower, likely built in the 15th century. In 1564 the O'Connors lost their territory and in 1584/5 the castle was formally ceded to Sir Turlough O'Brien. Following the 1641 rebellion and subsequent Cromwellian reorganization, Turlough's son Daniel petitioned the English Commission in 1654 to save the house from demolition.
Ballinalacken Castle | History
Ballynahow Castle was built in the early 16th century by the Purcell family, an Old English family who held the title of Baron of Loughmoe. The lower floors were used in the 1840s as a cottage. The tower house was transferred to state ownership in 1930.
Ballynahow Castle | History
In 1684, Morioka Domain established a "daikansho", constructing a "jin'ya" on the site of the old castle.
Sannohe Castle | History
Turner, who painted a picture of the location. On Nash's death, the estate was sold to the Earl of Shannon who added a lodge at the south of the estate. It was then briefly held by the politician, George Tudor, before being acquired by the Viscount Gort family, who held it until 1934.
East Cowes Castle | Introduction
The castle, undoubtedly a tower house, was originally a MacRaghnall stronghold with references in 1491 and 1499, but by 1540 it was in the hands of Brian Ballach O'Rourke (AFM), probably to intimidate the MacRaghnall and other families of Muintir Eolais and to harass his enemy of the moment, Mac Dermot of Moylurg. The castle was destroyed in 1580 by Brian of the Ramparts O'Rourke to prevent it falling to Sir Nicholas Malby. Sir Nicholas rebuilt and garrisoned it, but the castle was immediately besieged by O'Rourke and abandoned by its garrison shortly afterwards (AFM). In January 1603, after the defeat of Kinsale, Donal Cam O'Sullivan Beare arrived at Leitrim Castle with only thirty five from the thousand or so followers with whom he had started the long march from Dunboy, Co.
O'Rourke's Castle | History
The castle was probably built in the 16th century by a member of the Savage family. In 1635, Patrick Savage's brother-in-law, Sir James Montgomery of Rosemount (Greyabbey), repaired the castle by roofing and flooring it so that his sister could live in greater comfort there.
Portaferry Castle | History
Shane released Conn in May 1567, at the same time delivering to Conn possession of the castles at Ballyshannon and Belleek, which were traditionally considered perquisites of the lordship of Tyrconnell that rightfully belonged to Hugh mac Manus since the latter's election in 1566 to succeed Calvagh in that office. The conflict seems to have been temporarily resolved by mutual agreement before 30 October 1567, when Conn was made tanist to Hugh mac Manus.
Conn O'Donnell | Factional leader
Shane English School was started by Shane Lipscombe in the kitchen of his apartment in Tokyo in 1977.
Saxoncourt | Origins
Originally named Fincastle, the house was built in the Scottish baronial style by architect David Bryce in 1864–1867 for Charles Murray, 7th Earl of Dunmore (styled Viscount Fincastle until 1845), whose grandfather George Murray, 5th Earl of Dunmore had purchased the island in 1834. James Bridie is said to have written his play "Mary Rose" while staying in the castle. In 2003, Amhuinnsuidhe Castle Estate purchased the castle and the fishing rights, while the North Harris Estate was transferred into community ownership. The castle is now operated as a venue for fishing, shooting parties, weddings and corporate events.
Amhuinnsuidhe Castle | History
The castle's original construction is attributed to the MacCarthy family. The castle became dilapidated in 1641 during the Irish Confederate Wars. It was repaired thereafter and became the residence of the rapparee, Captain Cape, and his bandits, who waylaid travellers, and plundered the surrounding countryside. By the late 18th century it had fallen into ruin, and a mid-19th century description of the castle describes it as consisting of "two structures differentiated by age, altitude, bulk, and architecture - the larger and older of which is oblong, and three-storied". The castle was restored in the mid-19th century, reputedly by Thomas Newenham Deane and Benjamin Woodward.
Carrigrohane Castle | History
The tower house at Drishane was built by the MacCarthy (Mac Cárthaigh) clan c. 1436–50. It was probably begun by Dermot Mór, the second son of Tadhg (King of Desmond 1390–1428). Tadhg, son of Owen was in possession of Drishane Castle in 1592 when he surrendered it to Queen Elizabeth I and got a regrant. His son Owen (Eoin) still held the castle at his death in 1637. All MacCarthy lands were forfeit after the Irish Confederate Wars (1641–53), but were restored to Donough MacCarty, 1st Earl of Clancarty in 1660 when Charles II regained the throne. The MacCarthys again lost their lands after the Williamite War (1689–91).
Drishane Castle | History
A stronghold of the O'Neill's, the castle was taken by the English during the Nine Years War and was then demolished in 1730 for the development of a canal. Originally it was a holding of Hugh DeLacy, as there is reference to an 'old castle' being there, before Shane O'Neill built his structure c. 1550s and used it as a primary residence. It appears on a number of old maps one of which can be found on the British Library site here: Link to page displaying map from 1602 Being on the western approach to the settlement at Carlingford, where King John's Castle was being built c.
Fathom Castle | History
Their name is still retained in the townlands of Ballyhannan north and Ballyhannan south. Although the Hannon name is remembered in the name of Ballyhannon Castle, their history is of an earlier period and no references to the family can be found in connection with the history of the castle itself. The castle was built about 1490 by Hugh, and possibly Síoda, sons of Donnchadh MacNamara. This period was described by the noted antiquarian, T. J. Westropp, as the "Golden Age of castle-building in Thomond" because of the high standard of construction which had been achieved by the masons at this period.
Ballyhannon Castle | History
The earlier Irish castle was replaced by the present building built on lands confiscated from the Eustace family of Baltinglass because of their involvement in the Second Desmond Rebellion. The Geraldines defended the Pale from the Irish clans in the nearby Wicklow Mountains. It is believed the present castle was built around 1583 for Archbishop Adam Loftus. Originally a semi-fortified and battlemented structure it underwent extensive alterations in the 18th century. The castle consisted of a square building four stories high with a projecting tower at each corner, the walls of which were an average of thick. On the ground level are two vaulted apartments divided by a wall nearly thick which rises to the full height of the castle.
Rathfarnham Castle | Origins
A ringfort once stood on the site, named "Dún Formna" ("hillfort of the ridge/shoulder", referring to the "shoulder" of land) and dated to between the 5th century BC and 1st century AD. The castle was built by the Clann Teige, a branch of the powerful O'Brien (Uí Briain) family, in the early 15th century around 1400. It was taken by the Ó Flaithbheartaigh (O'Flahertys) around 1582. It was captured and slighted by Oliver Cromwell's army in 1652, during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland.
O'Brien's Castle (Inisheer) | History
Fanning's Castle was built c. 1641 by Mayor of Limerick Dominic Fanning.
Fanning's Castle | History
The Great Hall was partly rebuilt in 1840.
Cahir Castle | Construction
It was the 8th Earl of Kingston who built the present house in the 1880s as a large Gothic Revival extension to the older building. During his occupation much of the surrounding land was sold. After his death in 1896 the castle was not often occupied, the 9th Earl preferring to live elsewhere, and in 1939 the contents were sold at auction. The castle was later occupied by a section of the Construction Corps who were building a road in the Arigna Mountains. The Land Commission ultimately acquired the property and later sold the castle to Michael and Brendan Layden.
Kilronan Castle | History
The founder is thought to be one Richard de la Mare, a follower of Richard fitz Gilbert, Lord of Clare, an Anglo-Norman lord, who, by the archaeological evidence, built it on top of a previous defensive position. The castle was razed by Gruffydd ap Rhys but probably rebuilt, as it is known to have been destroyed again by Owain Gwynedd in 1136. The castle probably spent the next fifty years passing from one feudal ruler to another: from Hywel to Cadwaladr in 1144, and then ceded to Roger de Clare, 3rd Earl of Hertford in 1158, who garrisoned it. Destroyed by The Lord Rhys in 1164, it came into the possession of Maelgwn ap Rhys who lost it to, and recovered it from, his brother, Gruffudd ap Rhys.
Dinerth Castle | History
Dromore Castle was designed and built for Denis Mahony by the architect Thomas Deane, probably assisted by his brother Kearns Deane. Work began in 1831, although the account books show that only a negligible amount had been carried out before May 1834. Building work was completed in 1839. The house is in the castellated Gothic Revival style, with an external finish of Roman Cement with limestone dressings. With the notable exception of the grand south facing window with its pointed arch, the windows consist of pointed tracery contained within rectangular frames, a style characteristic of Deane's domestic work. The entrance hall, which is in the form of a long gallery, takes up half of the area of the ground floor.
Dromore Castle (County Kerry) | Building
Clara Castle was built in the late 15th/early 16th century by the Shortall family, who lived there until c. 1640. Henry Johnson occupied the castle in the Cromwellian period, and it later passed to the Byrnes; occupants include Anthony Byrne (1656–1720), Lewis Byrne (1690–1766), Mathew Byrne (1694–1754), Anthony Byrne (1725–1810), Michael Byrne (1762–1835). The castle was occupied up until 1905.
Clara Castle | History
The castle was built in the early 14th century but destroyed in the winter of 1308–1309 in the Wars of Independence. Subsequently granted to the Earls of Ross, it was re-built in 1380 after the daughter of the 5th Earl married Sir Alexander Fraser of Cowie. In the 16th century a second, round, tower, a courtyard and outbuildings were added to the original square main tower. In 1613 the Frasers of Philorth sold the castle which, after passing through several other families of the Fraser clan, ended up in 1775 with George Gordon, 3rd Earl of Aberdeen, who removed anything of value.
Cairnbulg Castle | History
A castle was built at the property by the Moravia family. The later castle was constructed by the Lindsay Earls of Crawford, probably David Lindsay, 1st Earl of Crawford. The Mackintoshes acquired it and built the house nearby. A green-veined stone axe head was found on the property in 1856 and was exhibited by Archaeological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland in Edinburgh.
Daviot Castle | History
The castle was built about 1618 by Sir Thomas Blennerhassett (died 1624), from Norfolk, whose brother built Castle Caldwell and was originally known as "Castlehassett" or "Castle Hassett". Before coming as a 'planter' to Fermanagh, Thomas Blennerhassett had a varied career including being Captain of Guernsey Castle. He was a literary man who wrote several books including "Directions for the Plantation of Ulster". He was succeeded by his eldest son Sir Leonard Blennerhassett (died 1639). The castle moved to local Maguire hands when his widow, Deborah, married Rory Maguire, leader of the Irish Rebellion of 1641 in Fermanagh, who died in 1648.
Crevenish Castle | History
The castle was later incorporated into the construction of Ashtown Lodge which was to serve as the official residence of the Under Secretary from 1782.
Ashtown Castle | Introduction
There is documentary evidence that a castle was built on the existing site soon after the Norman Conquest. The building is reportedly attributed to Bishop Hugh Pudsey. These early records do not give much detail, though the foundations of the current buildings are alleged to be from the earlier construction. The present building was constructed around 1450 for Robert Neville, Bishop of Durham on land which had belonged to the See of Durham since Saxon times. It is situated on the highest point in the Parish at an elevation of 379 feet. Up to the time of James I the castle was surrounded by a deer park.
Crayke Castle | History
Shanbally Castle was located near Clogheen, County Tipperary and built for Cornelius O'Callaghan, the first Viscount Lismore, in around 1810. It was the largest house built in Ireland by the noted English architect John Nash. The castle was acquired by the Irish Land Commission in 1954. On 21 March 1960 the castle, after much controversy, was demolished.
Shanbally Castle | Introduction
By 1619, the castle was in the hands of Michael Cormuck who owned the castle in Kilcommon, Erris. After the Cromwell period in the mid-17th century, the property passed into the hands of the new landlords of Erris - the Shaens, Carters and Binghams.
Doolough | History
A rectangular keep, the castle has four storeys and rounded corners. The castle originally would have had a defensive barmkin of which there is no remnant. Its crenellated parapet is thought to have been built in the late 19th century when the castle had been sold on by the Mortons.
Cranshaws Castle | Construction
He erected a motte in the 1180s in Carlow, on the site of which Carlow Castle was built in the 13th century. Excavations at Carlow Castle in 1996, found the remains of a series of post-holes inside a curving ditch, running under the walls of the towered keep and therefore pre-dating it. The remains of a corn-drying kiln were found to the north of this. These features were interpreted as representing the remains of the first castle here, whose defences and buildings seem to have been constructed of earth and timber. A reinterpretation of the historical sources suggests that this primary timber castle was built in the early 1180s by Hugh de Lacy for John de Clahull.
Hugh de Lacy, 1st Earl of Ulster | Carlow motte and bailey
The Castle was bought by Henry Montagu, 1st Earl of Manchester, in 1615. His descendants owned the Castle for 335 years until it was sold in 1950. Charles Edward Montagu, the 4th Earl, who was created 1st Duke of Manchester in 1719, had reconstruction works carried out between 1690 and 1720. Sir John Vanbrugh and his assistant Nicholas Hawksmoor redesigned the facades of the Castle in a classical style, but with battlements to evoke its history as a castle, the portico was later added by Alessandro Galilei. The Venetian painter Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini redecorated some of the reconstructed rooms in 1708.
Kimbolton School | The Castle
The medieval castle was originally built in the 13th century by Stuart Cullen, an early Anglo-Norman warrior and landowner in northern Kildare. He had been given extensive lands in the area of Kill, Celbridge, and Mainham by his brother, Rurai Blaney, who had come to Ireland with Strongbow, the Earl of Pembroke. The castle is the residence of the religious community and was improved by a "chocolate box" type restoration in the 18th century. It was rebuilt in 1718 by Stephen Fitzwilliam Browne and extended in 1788 by Thomas Wogan Browne. It is situated beside a ditch and wall—known as ramparts—constructed for the defence of the Pale in the 14th century.
Clongowes Wood College | Buildings
A stone wall was built around the garden, enclosing an area from the gatehouse to the south end of the Roman fort.
Brougham Castle | The Clifford Dowagers
No record of the construction of this castle remains.
Dorlaithers Castle | History
In 1265AD, Aedh mac Felim Ó Conchobair constructed a fortified "castle" at Loch Scur. Defending the Conmhaícne of Muintir Eolais from Norman conquest was a military objective, and his Lough Scur regiment and Conmhaicne forces both participated in the decisive Battle of Áth an Chip.
Lough Scur | Castle O'Connor
The castle was built on Castle Hill, towards the south. Only a vaulted basement remains.
Dunphail Castle | Structure
Geoffrey de Cusack Lord of Killeen having occupied his lands in 1172 he built his castle. Over the doorway of Killeen Castle (see Killeen Castle Co.Meath) the date of the building is given as 1181. An early description of Killeen Castle reads- The date is 1 August—the feast of St. Peter's Chains—As we approach the castle we are faced by four tall battlemented towers with five storeys of slit openings linking the curtain walls of the building. The castle is set on a slight mound. We enter by a steep wooden stairway, and find ourselves, having passed through the considerable thickness of the wall from the narrow doorway, in the Great Hall on the first floor.
Cusack | Killeen Castle
In 1227, he declared that he had been impoverished through serving the English Crown in Ireland. If it wasn't Thomas was reconstructed Coleraine Castle, it is possible that Hugh did. However, the only record of Hugh operating in Thomas' lands occurs almost two decades later, in 1241.
Coleraine Castle | Introduction
Alice died childless in 1348.
Builth Castle | History
Dromore Castle was probably constructed in the early 16th century. In the 17th century, Teige O'Brien of the O'Brien clan repaired and expanded it. The castle and lands of Dromore had been granted to Teige's father, Connor (Third Earl of Thomond), in 1579. Dermot, son of Teige, was an important protagonist in the Confederate Wars and participated in the Siege of Ballyalla Castle (Ennis). The last O'Brien at the castle was Conor, who left in 1689. The castle fell into ruin in the 18th century.
Dromore Castle (County Clare) | History
The castle along with other lands was leased to James Cuff, Lord Tyrawley, towards the end of the 18th century. It was occupied by the Cuff's steward for part of the 19th century. James Cuff, Lord Tyrawley, built a house beside the Old Bourke Castle in 1791. This country house was also called Castle Gore. The house was burnt by the IRA in 1922 and not rebuilt. The old castle, which was still intact in the early 20th century, is now a ruin. owned and built by Brendan O'Duffy in 1631. *Listed at National Inventory of Architectural Heritage *Landed Estate database
Deel Castle | History
The castle existed during the time of John Mór Tanister and was rebuilt by Sorley Boy MacDonnell in 1564. In 1565, the castle was occupied by Shane O'Neill. The castle was removed by Sir Randal MacDonnell, 1st Earl of Antrim in the 17th century. Another castle was erected in 1625 by Sir Randal McDonnell, Earl of Antrim. During the Irish Confederate Wars, the castle was seized by Scottish troops in 1642 and later occupied by Cromwellian forces. The castle was returned to Alexander MacDonnell, 3rd Earl of Antrim in 1665. However, the castle fell into ruins and was removed in 1856 by Charles Kirkpatrick, of Whitehall.
Ballycastle Castle | History
The history of the castle is unclear, but it is believed that due to the castle's name there were more than one castle in the townsland. Of the other two castles, the site of one is known from a 19th-century Ordnance Survey, the third castle's site is unknown. It was probably built by Lord Deputy Gerald Fitzgerald, 8th earl of Kildare, in the 16th century. It was the site of a number of battles in the 1500s. Some speculate that the three refers to the castle having three parts.
Threecastles Castle | History
The castle (also sometimes referred to as Gains Castle), was originally built in 1138, on the site of a former Iron Age fort. The site is likely to have been of strategic value, having a well, standing on high ground above the Somborne valley, and lying a short distance from the Roman road from Winchester to Sarum. Its builder was the powerful Henry de Blois, a grandson of William I of England, and the younger brother of King Stephen. Henry de Blois was the Bishop of Winchester from 1129 until his death 1171, a prolific builder (including of Wolvesey Palace, the bishop's palace in Winchester, and of a number of castles), and one of the most powerful figures of his day in the English kingdom.
Ashley Castle | Construction
The tower house was built in the 1280s, during the reign of Edward I as Lord of Ireland. It was ruined in the 1650s during the Cromwellian conquest.
Kiltartan Castle | History
The original castle had four corner towers connected by curtain walls and a double gate. Arrow slits were incorporated in the thick walls and it was surrounded by a moat averaging 16 meters (about 52 feet) in width and 12–15 meters (about 40–50 feet) in depth.
Ajloun Castle | Initial building
Raskeen Castle was built by Donal O'Dunne in 1584 and destroyed in 1691.
Dunne | Raskeen Castle
Castlebawn is a 16th-century Tower house, in County Clare, Ireland. It is on a small island on Lough Derg on the River Shannon, it is connected to the shore of Bealkelly by a man-made causeway. It was built by the McNamaras about 1540, severely damaged in 1827, and is now restored and opened to the public.
Castlebawn | Introduction
Ballycowan Castle is a castle located 4 km west of Tullamore, Co. Offaly. It was built in 1589 as a fortified house by Thomas Morres. The castle was built on the previous site of the O’Molloy castle or tower house called "Baile-mhic-Abhainn" which was destroyed by a fire in 1557. The adjacent tower was built by Sir Jasper Herbert and his wife Lady Jane Finglas in 1626 on land given to them during plantations. During the Cromwellian period the southern end of the castle was blown up from a hill 100 yards away. The lands on which the castle stood were confiscated and handed over to the Earl of Mountrath in 1666.
Ballycowan Castle | Introduction
A castle was built in the 13th century by the FitzGerald Earls of Desmond. Local folklore also connects it with the Knights Templar, perhaps confusing them with their house at Askeaton. By 1298, the castle had curtain walls and defensive towers surrounding the complex, with thatched houses, cattle byres and fishponds in the centre. Newcastle West was sacked in 1302 and destroyed in 1315. The present structure dates to the 15th century, with the hall and chamber built on the site of the earlier structure, and used for banqueting and entertainment. In 1591, during the Desmond Rebellions, the castle was seized by the Crown and granted to Sir William Courtenay on condition that 80 English colonists be settled in the area as part of the Munster Plantation.
Desmond Hall and Castle | History
The castle stood on a small area of raised ground, about square and was rectangular with towers square at each corner. It was constructed of rubble and sandstone with angle quoins. The entrance was to the east on higher ground and there was probably a moat in the lower ground surrounding the castle.
Greenhalgh Castle | Introduction
The ruins of the castle stand at the high point of the island, on the eastern rocky eminence. Archaeologists have identified remains from four different time periods. The earliest of these structures dates from the 13th century and comprises a stone hall-house which stands on the east side of the site. Now ruined, it measured by . At this time the rest of site would have been populated by wooden and turf out-buildings. This area was later enclosed by a stone curtain wall which included both a tower and a gateway. At the beginning of the 17th century, and sometime after the stone hall had been abandoned, a much smaller structure was built at the north-east corner of the hall.
Fraoch Eilean, Loch Awe | Archeology
Located just inside the gate, this is likely to have served as a house for the castle's constable or keeper, and is the only building shown with a roof on Petit's survey. At the southwest corner of the enclosure, an L-plan block was put up, possibly as late as the early 17th century. The southern part is sited outside the line of the inner curtain wall, with a northern wing, which may have been a slightly later addition, inside the wall.
Eilean Donan | Reduced castle
Although some archaeological evidence has been recovered from the island, much material was lost during the reconstruction works making it difficult to build a clear picture of the early castle. Very little historical evidence survives. Mapmaker Timothy Pont (c. 1565–1614) left a description: The only drawing of the castle prior to its destruction was made in 1714 by Lewis Petit (c. 1665–1720), a military engineer with the Board of Ordnance who came to Scotland in 1714 to survey Fort William and other defences in the area. Among the drawings he produced are a plan and elevation of Eilean Donan, which clearly show that the castle was largely derelict by this time, with only a building at the southeast corner being roofed.
Eilean Donan | Architectural development
In 1554, the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Desmond, began building Conna Castle on a high limestone rock overlooking the River Bride. Construction was completed ten years later. The castle and its estate was seized by the English and passed into the hands of Walter Raleigh, the English settler. The rightful heir to the castle, James FitzThomas (The Sugán Earl) staged a rebellion to capture the castle. He failed, was captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London. The castle then went through a series of different owners before ending up in the hands of the Earl of Cork. It is believed that Oliver Cromwell passed by the castle and fired cannons at it before moving on.
Conna | History of the castle
The rebuilt castle was occupied in 1294 by de Oddingseles. He died the following year. The de Birminghams then took over but it was again destroyed by the O'Connors and 1307 they were supplanted by a branch of the Burkes, the head of which was known as MacDavid. The MacDavid Burkes occupied it for the next 300 years. During the seventeenth century wars of conquest and dispossession a junior branch of the Caulfeild family came to own the castle and surrounding territory. They continued to own it throughout the Protestant Ascendancy. In late 1932, an IRA unit, under the command of Seán McCool and Mick Price, took over Donamon Castle to set up an IRA training camp.
Donamon Castle | Introduction
Above on the first floor is the Banqueting Hall with an oak ceiling, and decorated with coats of arms and 15th-century style fireplace. The main ceiling beams in the Banqueting Hall are of Douglas Fir and were shipped from British Columbia, Canada as a gift from the Macraes of Canada. Small mural chambers within the walls are accessed from each hall.
Eilean Donan | Modern castle
Craggaunowen Castle was built around 1550 by John MacSioda MacNamara, a descendant of Sioda MacNamara, who built Knappogue Castle in 1467. It was left in ruins in the 17th century, and rendered uninhabitable by the removal of the roof and staircase, and indefensible by removal of the battlements, at the time of the Cromwellian confiscations around 1653. The Tower House remained a ruin until it and the estate of Cullane House across the road, were inherited in 1821 by "Honest" Tom Steele, a confederate of Daniel O’Connell, "The Liberator".
Craggaunowen | Castle
The castle was originally built by John Strachan around 1569–1588 according to dates inscribed on stones that make up parts of the castle, which make its construction longer than usual for such a small building. The land on which the castle was built was originally leased by the Strachan family from the Tironensian Abbey of Lindores starting in the early 16th century. In 1601 the Strachan family sold the castle to Sir William Graham of Ballunie who later sold it to Sir William Graham of Claverhouse. The castle became the property of the crown in 1689 after the death of the then current owner Viscount Dundee John Graham of Claverhouse at the battle of Killiecrankie.
Claypotts Castle | History
In the earlier thirteenth century, during the reign of Alexander II (ruled 1214–1249), a large curtain-wall castle (wall of enceinte) was constructed that enclosed much of the island. At this time the area was at the boundary of the Norse-Celtic Lordship of the Isles and the Earldom of Ross: Eilean Donan provided a strong defensive position against Norse expeditions. A founding legend relates that the son of a chief of the Mathesons acquired the power of communicating with the birds. As a result, and after many adventures overseas, he gained wealth, power, and the respect of Alexander II, who asked him to build the castle to defend his realm.
Eilean Donan | Origins of the castle
In 1855, on the death of John O'Neill, 3rd Viscount O'Neill, who was predeceased by his elder brother Charles O'Neill, 1st Earl O'Neill, Sir Henry O'Neill's will entailed the Shane's Castle estate on the descendants of Con mac Briain Ó Néill; an event which signified the extinction of issue of his daughter Rose and heirs male in his own line. In a matter of great dispute, while Charles Henry became recognised as The O'Neill Clanaboy, John O'Neill, 3rd Viscount O'Neill was able to supersede the will by which he had inherited himself, and leave the Shane's Castle estate by his own will to William Chichester, who assumed the surname O'Neill and became William O'Neill, 1st Baron O'Neill.
Charles Henry (Cáthal Ainrí) Ó Néill | Introduction
Shane Crossagh's father, Donal, lived in Tullanee, Faughanvale, in the barony of Keenaght, County Londonderry, until his family where evicted when a bailiffs son was insulted in Donal's house. When Shane was later caught cutting grass at the property, the family in an attempt to escape punishment relocated to Lingwood in the mountains above Claudy. Here lived many people whose fathers had been dispossessed to make way for settlers from Great Britain. With Lingwood as his base, Shane would form a gang made up of people who were either greedy for plunder or for vengeance, becoming rapparees carrying out attacks and raids throughout the Sperrins mountain range.
Shane Crossagh O'Mullan | Background
In 1305 a castle was built there by Domnall O'Neill, on what is today known as Castle Hill, one of the highest points in the area, which dominated the surrounding countryside with the ability to see seven counties depending on the weather. During the 15th century a tower house was known to have been constructed upon the site. Conn Mor O'Niell was in residence during 1483, and in 1559 Shane O'Neill burnt the castle to prevent use by English forces. The O'Donnells demolished the castle in 1590. The castle was burned in 1595 and in 1602 by Hugh O'Neill, 2nd Earl of Tyrone as Crown forces under Charles Blount, Lord Mountjoy closed in on the Gaelic lords towards the end of the Nine Years' War.
Dungannon Castle | Description
She divided her time at the castle between living in Clifford's Tower, part of the castle's apartments and, as work progressed, the keep; by 1665, she was able to spend her Christmas at the castle for the first time. In 1666 another fire struck the castle, however, rendering it uninhabitable. In the aftermath, the remaining buildings in the bailey was converted for use as a law court, and Anne died in 1676, the castle unrestored.
Brough Castle | 16th–17th centuries
The New Castle () is a ruined castle at the mouth of the Shimna River in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland. The original castle is mentioned as early as 1433 and was built to guard a ford across the river. The castle was rebuilt in 1588 by Felix Magenis. It was demolished in 1830.
The New Castle, County Down | Introduction