Deel Castle facts for kids

Deel Castle

Deel Castle, also called Castle Gore, is an old castle in County Mayo, Ireland. It was built in the 1500s by the Bourke family. You can find it near the town of Crossmolina, close to the River Deel. Its Irish name, Caisleán na Daoile, means 'the Castle of the River Deel'.

A Look Back at Deel Castle's History

The old tower house

Inside the 18th-century part of the castle

Deel Castle was built in the 16th century by the Bourkes. It was a strong tower house located near the northern end of Lough Conn. The castle got its name from the River Deel, which flows nearby.

How the Castle Changed Hands

After a big conflict called the Williamite Wars, Colonel Thomas Bourke lost the castle. It was then given to the Gore family, who later became important nobles called the Earls of Arran. The Gore family changed the castle's name to Castle Gore. They added a large new section to the tower house in the 1700s. This new part had a fancy stone doorway.

New Owners and a New House

Later, in the late 1700s, the castle and its lands were rented to James Cuff, who was known as Lord Tyrawley. For some time in the 1800s, Lord Tyrawley's manager lived in the old castle.

In 1791, James Cuff, Lord Tyrawley, built a brand new house right next to the old Bourke castle. This new house was also called Castle Gore. Sadly, this 18th-century house was burned down in 1922 and was never rebuilt.

The original Deel Castle, the old tower house, was mostly standing in the early 1900s. However, over time, it has become a ruin.