Local Castles
Castlemagner
Castle Today |
CASTLEMAGNER CASTLE
In prehistory, the two main settlements of the present Castlemagner
Parish were from the graveyard to the Blackwater (this was known in the
old Gaelic language as Munemagarrac) and the area to the north as far as
Ballyhest river (known as Monamandaragh). The large Gaelic settlments in
both of these areas predate the 8th century church in Subulter and
Castlemagner by many centuries.
Philip Barry brought a settlement family
from Manorbier who took over about 1500 acres in the northeastern end of
the present parish of Castlemagner. This first Norman settlement was
located on the northern bank of the Keatra River, 150 yards south of the
present Ardoin Bridge. This was a mote and Bailey settlement, the year
was 1183 and the settlers name was William Magner (Magnel).
In 1200 David Fitzwilliam Barry
developed a stronger fortification close to the Gaelic village around
the site of the present St.Brigits cemetery. This village most likely
had a Christian church dating from about the same time as the church in
Subletur (780). A Norman tower was constructed on the cliff over looking
the holy well. It was a square stout building 20 by 20 feet and 30 feet
high, which controlled a 720 acres manor farm made up by the town lands
of Coolavaleen, Castlemagner and Knockardsharive.
In 1375 with a grant of £10 from Edward
III, a watchtower was built adjacent to the Norman Tower, which was
converted to a granary. This watch tower was 24 by 24 by 45 feet high,
consisting of a basement, and armoury, and on the top floor there were
guard quarters. The guard was made up of a watch captain, and ten of
Lord Barry's soldiers. It was quartered and maintained by the Magner
family.
Castlemagner Castle
in 14th Century |
During the Gaelic rebellion of 1460 the
watchtower was reduced to rubble. In 1467 the Manor Tower which remained
unharmed during the rebellion was with the approval of Lord Barry Mor,
developed into a Castle. Rising the tower to 50 feet and adding an
enclosed spiral staircase did this.
During the rebellion of 1598-99, Magners
castle was destroyed except for the enclosed spiral staircase which is
still standing to this day, a lonely sentinel to a large foreign power
defeated by the tenacity, determination and courage of a small nation
For more information on the Magners of
Castlemagner, contact :
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Philips Bookshop
34 Bank Place
Mallow
Tel +353 22 42471
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or
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Scully's Newsagents
O'Brien St
Kanturk
Tel +353 29 50246
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