Ardamullivan Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ardamullivan Castle |
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| Native name Irish: Caisleán Ard Mhaolabháin |
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| Type | tower house |
| Location | Ardamullivan, Shanaglish, County Galway, Ireland |
| Built | 16th century |
| Owner | State |
| Official name: Ardamullivan Castle | |
| Reference no. | 252 |
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Ardamullivan Castle is an amazing old tower house found in County Galway, Ireland. It's also a special National Monument, meaning it's protected because of its history and importance. This castle has stood for centuries, holding many stories within its ancient walls.
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Where is Ardamullivan Castle?
Ardamullivan Castle is located in a beautiful part of County Galway. You can find it about 8 kilometers (5 miles) south of the town of Gort. It is also just 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) southwest of a lovely lake called Lough Cutra.
The Castle's Story: A Look Back in Time
Who Built Ardamullivan Castle?
Ardamullivan Castle was built in the 1500s. It was constructed by the Uí Sheachnasaigh (O'Shaughnessy) family. They were powerful rulers of a region known as Cenél Áeda na hEchtge. Their rule ended in the 1650s during Cromwell's invasion of Ireland.
Early Mentions and Family Disputes
The castle is first mentioned in records after the year 1567. This was when Ruaidhrí Gilla Dubh Ó Seachnasaigh passed away. Later, in 1579, a big family argument happened. Diarmaid Riabach Ó Seachnasaigh and his nephew John fought over who should control the castle. Sadly, both of them died in this conflict. Diarmaid Riabach was also known for giving information about Richard Creagh, a Catholic Archbishop, to the authorities.
Restoration and Hidden Art
In the 1990s, Ardamullivan Castle was carefully restored. Workers put a new roof on it and repaired the walls using traditional lime mortar. During this work, something amazing was found: old wall paintings! These paintings were on the first and fourth floors of the castle.
What the Wall Paintings Show
The wall paintings are very special. They are similar to other old paintings found at Abbeyknockmoy and Clare Island Abbey. The pictures show many interesting things, including:
- A bishop
- A stag hunt (hunting a deer)
- Saint Christopher
- Scenes from the Passion of Christ
- Saint Michael weighing souls on Judgment Day
What Does Ardamullivan Castle Look Like?
Ardamullivan Castle is a tower house with six floors. Parts of its original strong defensive wall can still be seen today.
Cool Castle Features
The castle has some interesting old features:
- Bartizans: These are small, round towers that stick out from the corners. You can see traces of them on the northeast and southwest corners, and along the south wall.
- Machicolation: This is a floor opening between the supporting corbels of a battlement, through which stones or boiling water could be dropped on attackers.
- Murder Hole: This was a hole in the ceiling of the entrance passage. Defenders could drop things through it onto enemies below.
- Slit Windows: Many narrow windows allowed archers to shoot out while staying safe inside.
- Fireplaces: You can still see where fireplaces kept the castle warm centuries ago.
- Bawn: There are also traces of walls around the castle. These might have been part of the original bawn, which was a defensive courtyard.
