Smarmore Castle facts for kids

Smarmore Castle is an old Irish castle found in County Louth, a county in Ireland. It is located south of a town called Ardee.

Smarmore Castle is a Medieval castle. This means it was built a very long time ago, during the Middle Ages.

Discovering Smarmore Castle's Past

Smarmore Castle, County Louth, Ireland. First mentioned in 1320. It was home to the Taaffe family for many years.

Smarmore Castle was first written about in the year 1320. At that time, it was known as the home of the Taaffe family.

The Taaffe Family's Long Stay

The Taaffe family came from Britain. They lived in Smarmore Castle for many centuries. They stayed there until the 1980s.

The main tower of the castle was built around 1320. Other parts of the castle were added much later. These newer buildings were built between 1730 and 1750.

What Happened to the Castle Later?

After the Taaffe family sold the castle, it was changed into a guest house. A guest house is like a small hotel.

In 2015, a group called Castle Craig bought Smarmore Castle. They opened a private clinic there in 2016.

Where Did the Name Smarmore Come From?

The name Smarmore is thought to come from an old Irish story. This story is a famous legend called Táin Bó Cúailnge. It means "The Cattle Raid of Cooley."