Castles of Ireland: Some Fortress Histories and Legends

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Family vault built in the graveyard adjacent to Shane's Castle

   Shane's Castle · townland · Antrim · 1722

   French John, who came into possession of the estate in 1716, built the family burial vault in the graveyard adjacent to Shane's Castle in 1722.

   Read the passage

   In 1607 King James I. finally settled the castle and estate upon the descendants of Shane MacBrian O’Neill. It is most likely that the present name of Shane’s Castle is derived from this man. Richard Dobbs uses this designation in 1683, so that the popular belief that the name was altered by French John who came into possession in 1716 is clearly erroneous. He was called “French” John because, being of a younger branch, he had made his own way in the world engaged in the wool trade abroad. When he came into possession of the estate he displayed in the castle hall the very wool-cards he had used in his poorer days to show he was not ashamed of his calling. It was he who built the family vault in the adjacent graveyard in 1722.

   In 1798 the first Viscount O’Neill, who was then the family representative, rode into Antrim on the day of the battle of that town. He received a mortal wound from a pike in his side, and being conveyed by boat to Shane’s Castle, he lingered for a fortnight. It is supposed that it was at his wife’s instigation that he enlarged the castle demesne and removed the ancient village of Edenduffcarrick.

   Project Gutenberg #62488, Chapter 72

2. Imprisonment of Rosea, Daughter of Richard Foy

   Greencastle · townland · Down · 1356

   William de Doun, Constable of Greencastle, was pardoned in 1356 for having seized and imprisoned Rosea, daughter of Richard Foy, an act of unlawful captivity at the castle.

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   The late Constable, William de Doun, received pardon in 1356 for having seized and imprisoned Rosea, daughter of Richard Foy.

   During Henry IV.’s reign there was only one constable between the castles of Carlingford and Greencastle. It is reported that Stephen Geron received £20 a year for the guardianship of Greencastle and £5 for Carlingford.

   Project Gutenberg #62488, Chapter 46

3. Burial of Lord Theobald Walter at Arklow

   Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1285

   Theobald FitzWalter, hereditary Lord Butler of Ireland and founder of Arklow Castle, died there in 1285 and was buried beneath an effigy-topped tomb in the convent of the Friars Preachers in Arklow.

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   Lord Theobald Walter le Botiller died in the castle in 1285, and was buried in the convent of the Friars Preachers in Arklow, beneath a tomb ornamented with his effigy.

   In 1331 the castle was attacked by the O’Tooles, but Lord de Bermingham came to its relief with a small party, and drove the enemy off with considerable loss. The same year, however, the Irish got possession of it by treachery.

   Project Gutenberg #62488

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Arklow, this is where Theobald Walter le Botiller died in the castle in 1285. He was buried in the convent of the Friars Preachers here in Arklow, beneath a tomb ornamented with his effigy.

4. Human Bones Found Near Ballyshannon Castle

   Ballyshannon · town · Donegal

   Quantities of human bones have been unearthed in the neighbourhood of the former O'Donnell stronghold at Ballyshannon, hinting at the site's long and violent history.

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   Round the castle stretched a beautiful park, the name being still preserved in some old leases. This extended almost to the summit of the hill on the north. Quantities of human bones have been found in the neighbourhood.

   The castle was erected in 1423 by Niall, son of Turlough O’Donnell. In 1435 Naghtan O’Donnell gave it to Brian Oge O’Neill for promising him assistance against the O’Neill. Brian, however, went treacherously to his chief without O’Donnell’s knowledge, leaving his warders in the castle. O’Neill, not approving of such double dealing, took him and his two sons prisoners, cutting off a hand and a foot from each, under which treatment one of the sons died.

   Project Gutenberg #62488

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Ballyshannon in Donegal, you pass near an old O'Donnell castle built in 1423 by Niall, son of Turlough O'Donnell. Quantities of human bones have been found in this neighbourhood. In 1435, Naghtan O'Donnell gave the castle to Brian Oge O'Neill for promising assistance against the O'Neill. Brian went treacherously to his chief without O'Donnell's knowledge, leaving his warders in the castle. O'Neill, not approving of such double dealing, took Brian and his two sons prisoners, cutting off a hand and a foot from each. One son died from it.