O'Dea Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids O'Dea Castle |
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O'Dea Castle
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| Location | 3 miles (5 km) south of Corofin, County Clare, Ireland |
| Built | 1470–90 |
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O'Dea Castle, also known as Dysert O'Dea Castle, is a strong, old tower in Ireland. It's like a small castle. It stands in Dysert O'Dea, which was once the main home of the O'Dea family. This area is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Corofin in County Clare.
Diarmaid O'Dea, a local leader, built the castle between 1470 and 1490. It's about 15 meters (50 feet) tall and sits on a rocky base. The castle is right next to the old Dysert O'Dea Monastery.
Contents
History of O'Dea Castle
Early Beginnings and Battles
A very important battle happened here on May 10, 1318. It was called the Battle of Dysert O'Dea. This battle helped to push the Anglo-Normans out of the area for over 200 years.
The O'Dea family built the castle much later, between 1470 and 1490. Diarmaid O'Dea, who was the Lord of Cineal Fearmaic, was in charge of building it.
Changes in Ownership
Over the years, O'Dea Castle changed hands many times. In 1570, a powerful leader called the Earl of Ormond took the castle from the O'Dea family by force.
However, by 1584, the O'Dea family had gotten their castle back. Domhnall Maol O'Dea was listed as the owner at that time.
Wars and Rebellions
Domhnall supported the northern leaders during the Nine Years' War (1594-1603). Because of this, Dysert Castle was taken by Daniel Neylon, who was a Protestant Bishop. He gave the castle to his son, John, in 1594.
But the castle soon returned to the O'Dea family. Conor Cron O'Dea supported the Confederates in the 1640s. He even helped in a successful attack on Ballyalla Castle in 1642.
Cromwellian Times and Ruin
After the city of Limerick was taken by Cromwellian forces in 1651, they kept a small group of soldiers at O'Dea Castle. When these soldiers left, they broke down parts of the castle. They destroyed the top walls, upper floors, and stairs.
The Neylon family returned for a while. But during the time of King Charles II, Conor Cron O'Dea got the castle back again.
Conor's sons, Michael and James, supported King James II. Because of this, they lost the castle once more. The land went to the Synge family, and the castle slowly fell into ruin.
Restoration of the Castle
For many years, O'Dea Castle was just a ruin. But in 1970, a man named John O'Day from Wisconsin, USA, bought the tower. He had it carefully repaired and brought back to life.
The castle was then rented to a group called the Dysert Development Association. With help from the Irish Tourist Board, they opened it to the public in 1986. It was called "The Dysert O'Dea Castle Archaeology Centre." It showed old items from the Stone Age up to 1922 that were found in the area.
O'Dea Castle Today
Today, O'Dea Castle is known as the Dysert O'Dea Castle and Archaeological Trails. It is open for visitors from May to August each year. You can explore the castle and also walk along special trails. These trails lead to other old sites around the tower, including the remains of the Dysert O'Dea Monastery. It's a great place to learn about Irish history!
See also
- Tower houses in Britain and Ireland
