Carra Castle, Antrim facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castle Carra |
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| General information | |
| Type | Ruined castle |
| Location | Near Cushendun, County Antrim, Northern Ireland |
| Coordinates | 55°7′57.5″N 6°2′29.4″W / 55.132639°N 6.041500°W |
Carra Castle or Castle Carra (Irish: Caisleán Carrach) is a ruined castle in Northern Ireland. You can find it just north of Cushendun in County Antrim. This old castle was built around the early 14th century, which means it's over 700 years old!
The castle stands in a field close to the coast. It is also near the harbour of Cushendun, which is part of Murlough Bay. Long ago, this spot was even used as a cemetery for children during medieval times.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name "Carra" might have come from an older name, "Carey." Some people also knew it as "Goban Saer's Castle."
A Look Back: Castle Carra's Story
Carra Castle has a long and exciting history. It was once home to important figures and saw many dramatic events.
Early Occupants and Conflicts
The castle was once controlled by an Irish king named Shane O'Neill. In 1565, he even held Sorley Boy McDonnell as a prisoner here.
Two years later, in 1567, the McDonnells invited Shane O'Neill to Castle Carra. They spent two days hunting and feasting together. However, on the third day, June 2, a fight broke out. The McDonnells killed O'Neill to get revenge for their earlier defeat.
Later Events and Decline
In 1585, another important event happened at the castle. Donnell Gorm MacDonnell was under attack by English forces. His father, Sorley Boy, arrived near the castle and successfully chased away the attackers.
Around the year 1730, the Lynch family was known to live in the castle. Today, Carra Castle is mostly in ruins. It is covered with ivy, showing its age and the many years it has stood there.
How the Castle Was Built
Carra Castle is a type of building known as a tower house. It has the shape of a strong, square tower. What we see today are the remains of a 16th-century square tower house. This castle was built on a very old site. People had used this spot for working with flint stones during the Mesolithic period, thousands of years ago.
See also
In Spanish: Castillo de Carra para niños
