Tyrrellspass Castle facts for kids
Tyrrellspass Castle, built around the year 1411, is a very old castle found in the town of Tyrrellspass, in County Westmeath, Ireland. It is the only castle still standing that belonged to the Tyrrell family. They arrived in Ireland a long time ago, around when the Normans first came.
Discovering the Castle's Architecture
This amazing castle stands about 20 meters high, which is roughly the height of a six-story building! It follows the usual design of "tower houses" from its era. These were strong buildings made of stone, mainly built for protection. They had many rooms stacked one on top of the other.
Inside the castle, you can still see the original spiral staircase. There's also a very old roof beam that dates back to 1280! This special beam is in a part of the restaurant known as the 'lounge.' Right next to the main entrance door, there's something called a "murder-hole." This was a small opening where defenders could drop things or pour liquids on anyone trying to break in.
A Look at Tyrrellspass Castle's History
Tyrrellspass is the modern name for an area once called Fartullagh. In 1597, a brave leader named Captain Richard Tyrrell won an important battle here. He was a key friend of Aodh Mór Ó Néill during the Nine Years' War. This victory against English forces is now known as the Battle of Tyrrellspass.
During the Cromwellian invasion in 1650, the people living in the castle faced very difficult times. After this period, the castle and the land around it were taken over by the Rochfort family. They later became known as the Earls of Belvedere. In 1796, the second Earl rented the castle to the army to use as a barracks. Later, in 1850, ownership went to Charles Brinsley Marlay, who was the grandson of the first Earl's only daughter. After him, it passed to Lieut.-Colonel Charles Howard-Bury, who was a famous explorer. He sold off many of the houses on the estate.
After a long and eventful history, the castle was carefully restored by Phillip Ginnell in the 1970s.
Tyrrellspass Castle Today
In the early 1990s, the castle building was changed into a modern restaurant. Today, it is known as the Tyrrellspass Castle Restaurant. It also hosts fun medieval banquets, where people can enjoy a meal in a historic setting!
