Shrule Castle facts for kids

Shrule Castle, County Mayo

Shrule Castle is an old, ruined castle found near the village of Shrule in County Mayo, Ireland. Its name in Irish, Caislen Sruthair, means "Castle of the River," which makes sense because it's located close to the Black River. This castle is a type called a tower castle, which means it's a tall, strong building that was used for defense.

Building Shrule Castle

Shrule Castle was built a very long time ago, around the year 1238. It was constructed by a powerful family known as the de Burgh family. They built it right on the border between County Mayo and County Galway, near the Black River. Later, in 1308, the castle was given to John de Burgh by his father, Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster.

Battles and New Owners

Shrule Castle saw some exciting times, especially in the 1500s.

The Attack of 1570

In 1570, a strong group of soldiers attacked the castle. This group was led by Sir Edward Fitton, who was a very important official in Ireland at the time. He was the President of Connaught (a leader in that part of Ireland) and also the Vice Treasurer of Ireland (in charge of money). His soldiers included a group called the McDonnells of Knocknacloy, who were fierce warriors known as gallowglass.

The castle was captured by Fitton's forces. However, other powerful Irish leaders, like Mac William Uachtar (a lord from Thomond), the de Burghs of Mayo, and the McDonnells of Mayo, tried to take the castle back. They fought hard, but they couldn't get the castle back that day. During this battle, the leader of the McDonnells of Knocknacloy, Calvagh McDonnell, lost his life. Edward Fitton was also knocked off his horse and injured.

Changing Hands

After these battles, the castle changed owners a few times. William Burke took control of the castle, and then it passed to his son, John Burke, in 1574. Later, in 1610, Richard Burke, 4th Earl of Clanricarde, who was a powerful earl, rented out the castle and its lands to a person named Pierce Lynch from Galway.