Desmond Hall and Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Desmond Hall and Castle |
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| Native name Irish: An Halla Mór agus Caisleán Deasmhumhan |
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The Great Hall, with trefoil windows
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| Type | Castle and great hall |
| Location | The Square, Newcastle West, County Limerick, Ireland |
| Built | 15th century |
| Architectural style(s) | Norman |
| Owner | Office of Public Works |
| Official name: Desmond Hall & Great Hall Medieval Castle Complex | |
| Reference no. | 636 & 582 |
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Imagine stepping back in time! Desmond Hall and Castle is a super cool collection of old buildings in Newcastle West, Ireland. It's also known as Desmond Castle and Banqueting Hall. These buildings are so important that they are protected as National Monuments of Ireland. This means they are special historical places that everyone wants to keep safe for the future!
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Where is Desmond Hall and Castle?
You can find Desmond Hall and Castle in the town of Newcastle West. It sits just south of the main town square.
A Look at the Castle's History
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A long time ago, in the 1200s, the powerful FitzGerald Earls of Desmond built a castle here. Some old stories even connect the castle to the Knights Templar.
By 1298, the castle had strong curtain walls and tall defensive towers. Inside, there were houses, places for animals, and even fishponds. But the castle faced tough times. It was attacked in 1302 and destroyed in 1315.
The buildings you see today were mostly built in the 1400s. The main hall was used for big parties and important meetings. It was a place for feasts and entertainment.
Changes and Conflicts
In 1591, during a time of conflict called the Desmond Rebellions, the castle was taken over by the Crown (the English government). It was given to a man named Sir William Courtenay. He was supposed to bring 80 English settlers to the area.
Later, in 1598, James FitzThomas FitzGerald took the castle back. But he lost it again the very next year. Sir William's son, Sir George Courtenay, got the castle in 1639.
More fighting happened in 1643 during the Irish Confederate Wars. The castle was surrounded for four months. Then, a group called the Irish Catholic Confederation took it. They burned parts of it and captured the soldiers inside.
The castle was attacked again in 1645 by Oliver Cromwell's forces. It also suffered more damage in the late 1600s during the Williamite war in Ireland.
New Owners and Restoration
In the 1700s and 1800s, different families lived in parts of the castle. Much of the old Desmond Castle was taken down in the 1700s to make space for a new building called Courtenay Castle.
However, the main banqueting hall was fixed up in the early 1800s. A new fireplace was even brought in from another old building!
The Curlings, a family who owned the castle from 1910, saw it burned down on August 8, 1922. This happened during the Irish Civil War.
The Curlings owned the castle until the 1940s. After that, it was used for different things, like a Masonic hall and even a cinema.
Finally, in 1989, the Irish government took over the site. They started renovating it in 1990. Now, the Office of Public Works takes care of this amazing piece of history.
What to See at the Castle
The main part of Desmond Hall is a large medieval hall with two floors. The bottom floor has a cool vaulted ceiling. There's also a tower connected to the hall.
When you visit, you can see restored medieval features. These include an oak minstrels' gallery where musicians would have played. There's also a limestone fireplace with a special hooded design.
Images for kids
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The Great Hall, with trefoil windows
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Newcastle West's main square, with Desmond Castle at centre.
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View of Desmond Castle
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Castle buildings overlooking the River Ara
