Redwood Castle facts for kids
Redwood Castle, also called Egan Castle, is an old Norman castle in County Tipperary, Ireland. It's located near the town of Lorrha. This castle has a long and interesting history, stretching back over 800 years!
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The Castle's Early Days
The Normans, who were people from France, built Redwood Castle around the year 1200. They lived there for about 150 years. Around 1350, the Mac Aodhagáin family, also known as the MacEgan or Egan family, took over the castle and the land around it.
A School of Learning
The Mac Aodhagáin family was very special. They were known as Brehons, which means they were like lawyers and judges in ancient Ireland. They followed a set of laws called Brehon Laws. The family started a school of learning right inside Redwood Castle! This school was very important and was supported by the family for hundreds of years.
How the Castle Changed Over Time
Over the years, the castle was made bigger and stronger. A lot of work was done on it starting in 1350. Besides its very thick stone walls, the castle has some cool features. One is a "murder-hole," which was a small opening in the ceiling above the entrance. Defenders could drop things through it onto attackers below! It also has a unique stone carving called a Sheela na gig.
A Time of Trouble
The Egan family lived in Redwood Castle for a very long time, until about 1650. At that time, during a period known as the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, the castle was taken over and burned. It was a sad time for the castle and the family.
Bringing the Castle Back to Life
For over 300 years, Redwood Castle was mostly a ruin. Only its strong outer walls were left standing. But in 1972, a lawyer named Michael J. Egan, who was from County Mayo, bought the castle. He worked hard to fix it up and bring it back to life!
Today, Redwood Castle is a private home. However, because it's an important historical building, it's sometimes open for people to visit during the summer months. This allows everyone to see a piece of Irish history. The castle is also a protected structure, meaning it's officially recognized as important and kept safe.
The castle has also been a special gathering place. The "Clan Egan" (people who are part of the Egan family) have held big meetings there in 2000, 2004, and 2008.
