Dundrum Castle Facts for Kids

Dundrum Castle

Dundrum Castle is an old castle in Northern Ireland. It sits high above the town of Dundrum, County Down. This castle is not the same as another one with a similar name in Dundrum, County Dublin. A powerful knight named John de Courcy built Dundrum Castle around the early 1200s. He built it after he took control of the area called Ulster.

The castle stands on a rocky hill. From here, you can see amazing views. You can look south over Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains. To the west, you can see towards Slieve Croob. To the east, you can see the flat lands of Lecale. The castle was built to guard the way into Lecale from the west and south. Today, Dundrum Castle is a special historic monument. The government helps to look after it.

Who Built Dundrum Castle?
Dundrum Castle in County Tipperary
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Who Built Dundrum Castle?

Dundrum Castle in 1791

John de Courcy first built his castle with earth and wood. But soon, strong stone walls were added. These stone walls formed the main part of the castle, called the upper ward. They were built around the early 1200s. These early walls did not have towers. Instead, guards walked along the top of the walls to defend it. There might have been a wooden hall near the main tower.

Changes Over Time

In 1203, another powerful person, Hugh de Lacy, forced de Courcy out of Ulster. The castle was mentioned in a book from the 1200s. It said de Courcy tried to get the castle back in 1205. He had help from 100 ships! But he did not succeed.

King John then took the castle in 1210. Hugh de Lacy made the castle even stronger. He added a huge round tower, called a keep. This keep was probably built by skilled builders from Wales. These types of towers were very popular there.

The keep was originally at least three stories high. The bottom floor was used for storage. It even had a cistern (a tank for water) under the first floor. The first floor was likely the main living area for the lord. His private rooms would have been on the floor above.

New Owners and New Defenses

The castle belonged to the King until 1226. That's when Hugh de Lacy was allowed to return. After de Lacy's second time as Earl of Ulster (1227–1243), more changes were made. A special gatehouse with two towers was added to the main wall. It was a bit lopsided, with only one tower sticking out. This tower protected the narrow path leading up to the castle.

Later, in the late 1400s, the Mac Artáin family owned Dundrum. They probably built the stone wall around the outer area of the castle. Sometimes, the castle was even called "Magennis Castle." This was because the Magennis family, who were cousins of the Mac Artáins, managed it after 1333.

Battles and New Buildings

The castle was captured a few times. The Earl of Kildare took it in 1517. Lord Deputy Grey captured it in 1538. In 1601, Phelim Magennis Mac Artáin and his son gave the castle to Lord Mountjoy.

The castle then changed hands several times. It went to Lord Cromwell in 1605. Then it was sold to Sir Francis Blundell in 1636. During the English Civil War, the Parliamentarians took control. They tore down parts of the castle in 1652 when they left.

After 1660, the Blundell family returned. They built a new house in the outer part of the castle. This house was ruined by the early 1800s. In 1954, the castle and its land were given to the government to be looked after.

Dundrum Castle is a great example of Norman architecture. Many tourists and school children visit it. It was even featured on a TV show about archaeology called Time Team in 2013.

Dundrum Castle in County Tipperary

There is another castle called Dundrum Castle in Dundrum, County Tipperary. This castle is not connected to the one in County Down. It was the home of the O'Dwyer family. After Oliver Cromwell invaded Ireland, the O'Dwyers lost their lands. Their castle was destroyed. Later, in 1730, a large house called Dundrum House was built on the same spot. This house is now a luxury hotel and golf club.