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The name,
Doonbeg, is derived from Dun Beag, meaning, the small fort. The
Village grew up around Doonbeg Castle which was built by Philip
MacSheeda Mor Mac Con in the 16th century for the Earl of Thomond,
Daniel O'Brien. Turlough MacMahon of West Corca Baiscinn took it
in 1585. After his death in 1595 at the end of a fierce siege, the
castle was surrendered again to the O'Brien's who, as victors,
hanged the entire garrison back to back. O'Brien, a supporter of Queen
Elizabeth, received a grant of most of Tadhg Caoch MacMahon's
(heir of Turlough) property, including the castle.
O'Brien, Earl of Thomond, had possession in 1619 when
he gave it to James Comyn. Nicholas Strich Fitznicholas of
Limerick, also put in a claim for the castle, as Nicholas Strich's heir,
around this time. It was confiscated by the Crown for failure to
repay debts in 1688 and sold in 1703.
When T. J. Westropp visited the castle in 1893, it stood 60 feet high
with a frontage of 45 feet from west to east and a depth of 33 feet from
south to north. By that time it lacked gables, battlements and
chimneys. Despite its condition, seven families lived in the
tower. In 1907 two families lived there and when Westropp returned
a few years later, a man occupied one of the small western rooms.
Up to 1930 it was occupied and and one of its occupants was a
schoolmaster named Michael Scanlan. Locals used its upper floor with its
mossy overgrowth as a picnic spot since it afforded privacy and
beautiful views. |
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Doonbeg Castle
In September of 1939, the castle was in a dangerous condition
due to the effects of nature and the crumbling of the river bank.
Sadly, most of the castle has come down, leaving only the north-western
corner standing.
There has been no appreciable structural changes in the last 40 years
and it remains today a strong link with Ireland's rich heritage.
Additional info provided by Joe
Hurley. |
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