
HEN'S CASTLE / CASTLEKIRK
Located on a half acre island on Lough Corrib, Castlekirk, or Henâs Castle as it is otherwise known, was an early 12th century tower house built by the sons of RuaidrĂ na Saide Buide and aided by William FitzAldelm.
It is believed to be one of the oldest mortared castles in Ireland. In 1225, Odo OâFlaherty was forced to give the castle to Aedh Ua Conchobair, the king of Connacht, by the Lord Justice Sir Edmond Butler. In 1233, the castle was knocked down and rebuilt by Fedlimid, son of Cathal Crobhdearg Ua Conchobair in 1233.
Stories told outline that the castle got the name, âHenâs Castleâ from the notable GrĂĄinne NĂ MhĂĄille in 1546. GrĂĄinne married DĂłnal an-Chogaidh OâFlaherty at the age of 16, who had the nickname âthe Cockâ due to his aggressive nature, and as a result GrĂĄinne was in turn called âthe Henâ. However when her husband Donal was murdered, GrĂĄinne fought back with fury and took the castle, where from that the castle became known as Henâs Castle.
Other legends told say that the castle was built by a cock and a hen under the magic of a witch, hired by the OâFlaherty family.
The castle was occupied as a castle until Cromwellian soldiers took over in 1654. The castle fell into ruin and in later in the 19th century the ruin became further vandalised with its stones being removed to build houses in the area.
LOCATION
53.492568, -9.513337
Hen's Castle
GALLERY
REVIEWS
ONE OF 2 CASTLES THAT USE TO BELONG TO THE O' FLAHERTYS.THE OTHER 1 IS AUGHNANURE IN OUGHTERARARD IN GALWAY.
Hen Castle belonged to the O’Flahertys and the O’Malleys my 11 times Great Grand – Parents , Just a wee bit of History for my Grand Children.đđđđ