Macroom Castle facts for kids
Macroom Castle is an old castle located in the town of Macroom, in County Cork, Ireland. It stands guard over a historic crossing point on the River Sullane.
The main part of the castle, which was once a strong tower, is now a three-story building. It has six sections on one side and three on another, and is covered in green ivy. The only other part of the castle still standing is the gatehouse, which is the entrance building, along with some attached walls.
Contents
History of Macroom Castle
Who Built Macroom Castle?
The castle was likely built in the 1100s by the O'Flynn family. Its old Irish name, Caisleán Uí Fhloinn, means "O'Flynn's Castle." The O'Flynns owned land in this area, which was then called the Kingdom of Muskerry. However, another powerful family, the McCarthys, took over. They lived in the castle until the mid-1600s.
Changes and Challenges in the 1500s and 1600s
Tiege MacCarty, who was the father of Lord Muskerry, made the castle bigger and stronger. He passed away there in 1565. Later, in 1602, the castle belonged to Cormac McDermot Carthy. During this time, Lord Muskerry was arrested, and the castle was attacked. It even caught fire!
During a big rebellion in 1641, a special visitor came to the castle. This was the Papal Nuncio, a representative of the Pope, who stayed with Donough MacCarty, 2nd Viscount Muskerry for four days.
Battles and Burnings at the Castle
In 1650, Boetius MacEgan, who was a Bishop, gathered an army at Macroom Castle. These soldiers were part of a group called the Confederation. However, when the army of Lord Broghill arrived, the castle's defenders set the building on fire themselves. They then joined the rebel army in the castle park.
During the battle that followed, the Bishop and another important leader, the High Sheriff of Kerry, were captured. The Sheriff was killed. The Bishop was offered his freedom if he could convince the soldiers at Carrigadrohid Castle to give up. But when he arrived at Carrigadrohid, he instead told them to keep fighting! Because of this, he was executed. Later in the war, it is said that Macroom Castle was burned again by General Ireton.
New Owners and Final Fires
After these wars, the castle was given to Admiral Sir William Penn. He was the father of the famous William Penn who founded Pennsylvania in America. When the king returned to power in England, the castle was given back to the McCarthys. They made it even bigger and fixed it up.
In 1691, the castle was taken from Donough MacCarty, 4th Earl of Clancarty because he supported King James II. The castle was then sold in an auction in 1703. A company bought it, and then sold it to Judge Bernard. After that, it was owned by the Hedges Eyre family, and then by Lord Ardilaun.
The castle was burned one last time in 1922. This happened after British soldiers left the town. Forces who were against a peace treaty, led by Erskine Childers and Frank O'Connor, set it on fire.
In 1924, Lady Olivia Ardilaun, who was a descendant of the McCarthy chiefs and Lord Ardilaun's widow, sold the castle lands. She sold them to a group of local business people. They now hold the castle in trust for everyone in the town to enjoy.
Images for kids
-
Bridge and castle of Macroom before 1911
