Step back in time at Castlekirk, a medieval castle ruin on Lough Corrib in County Galway, Ireland. Once a stronghold guarding the lake, Castlekirk has witnessed centuries of Irish history — from Norman invaders to Gaelic chieftains. The castle is in the midst of Lough Corrib and its also known as Hen’s Castle.
My cinematic drone footage captures the beauty of this island castle surrounded by the waters of Lough Corrib.
👍Checkout my Ireland playlist • Ireland
Nestled on an island in Lough Corrib, Castlekirk (also known as Hen’s Castle) is one of Ireland’s most fascinating and overlooked castle ruins. This medieval fortress, located in County Galway, offers a glimpse into the past — showcasing a rich history of Norman and Gaelic influence on the Irish landscape. Today, Castlekirk stands as a hauntingly beautiful relic, offering a perfect escape for travellers seeking history, mystery, and breathtaking views of the Galway countryside.
Castlekirk was built as a stronghold for the Anglo-Norman settlers in County Galway. The exact origins of the castle are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been constructed by the de Burgo family, one of the most powerful families in medieval Ireland. The castle’s strategic location on an island in Lough Corrib allowed it to control important trade routes and guard against invaders. However, over the centuries, Castlekirk has fallen into ruin, with much of its original structure crumbling over time.
The castle dates to the early 12th century and tradition holds that the sons of Ruaidrí na Saide Buide, aided by the Anglo-Norman lord William FitzAldelm, were responsible for building one of Ireland’s earliest mortared castles.
Over the centuries the castle changed hands many times, reflecting the turbulent politics of medieval Ireland. In 1225 the Lord Justice Sir Edmond Butler forced Odo O’Flaherty to surrender Castlekirk to Aedh Ua Conchobair, King of Connacht. In 1233 the castle was knocked down and reconstructed by Fedlimid, son of Cathal Crobhdearg Ua Conchobair. These changes show the nature of medieval power in Ireland - Gaelic kings, powerful clans like the O’Flahertys, and Anglo-Norman pressure all intersecting at remote sites like Castlekirk. Perhaps the most colourful chapter in Castlekirk’s history revolves around the legendary pirate queen Gráinne Ní Mháille - better known as Grace O’Malley. When she married Dónal an-Chogaidh O’Flaherty (nicknamed ‘the Cock’ for his fierce fighting temperament), she became known by some as ‘the Hen’. According to legend, after her husband’s murder, Grace recaptured the castle, and the fortress became known as Hen’s Castle (Caisleán na Circe).
The current tower house is a two-storey rectangular keep (12.2 by 11.6 meters ) with small square towers at each angle and a gradual base batter. The entrance seems to have been of doorway set in some kind of entrance structure. This opened onto a straight internal stair which led, via the upper chamber to a 1st floor hall (which occupied the whole of 1st floor). Access to the basement was by spiral stairs and there is a latrine and external chute.
Castlekirk remained occupied as a fortress for many centuries, but its decline began in the 17th century. In 1654 (or shortly thereafter) the castle succumbed to Cromwellian forces. In the 19th century the ruin was vandalised and many of its stones were removed and used to build houses.
More recently, a new residence has been built alongside the tower. This is a good example of Ireland’s Heritage organisations to preserve and use ancient structures.
👍 Please like, subscribe, and tap the bell icon 🔔 for more Irish history and travel content adventures across Ireland, UK and beyond.
#Castlekirk #IrishHistory #Galway #CastlesOfIreland #IrelandHeritage
Информация по комментариям в разработке