The Story Of Kanturk Castle, Co. Cork Ireland

"A man's home is his castle..." so the saying goes. Uunfortunately in this case, it turns out that Kanturk Castle never became a place of living. Regardless of it, what did get built was and is impressive. The main building is made up of four story, while each tower reaches 5 story.

Today as you stroll around this great old building, it's difficult to believe that it was raised in about 1601. four centuries have passed away and it is still remaining strong. 'Bualadh bos' to the stonemasons. (Bualadh bos is Irish/Gaelic for applause or praise) Legend says that sven stonemasons all named John constructed the Castle. Thus at one time the building was called as "Carrig-na-Shane-Saor" i.e. The Rock of John the Mason.

There are various beliefs on whom specifically the castle was built for. Some think it was McDonogh McCarthy, while others believe it was Dermot McOwen. Still the dating of the monument cannot be agreed upon. usually it is believed to be late 16th century early 17th century.

How come he never inhabited it? Well, there is a bit more to that adage: 'A man's home is his castle ..., yet that is, 'until the Queen arrives'. The inhabitants near Kanturk Castle were getting a bit concerned about the hugeness of this structure and to the intentions of its purpose. The Privy Council, which was like close advisors to the Queen of England at the time, was informed and ordered the work on the building to stop. Thus, 'A man's home is his castle until the queen arrives'.

So upset the overlord was, it's said that he smashed up the leaded glass and the tiles and tossed them into the river.

Over time after that the ownership changed hands a number of times. It is now controlled by An Taisce - The National Trust for Ireland, since July 14th 2000.

Why not go and see Kanturk Castle for yourself. As you stroll around imagine being in the 15/1600s with the Mc Donagh McCarthy's at Kanturk Castle.

Other references to Kanturk Castle: "The story of Kanturk Castle" by Jean J. McCarthy, An Taisce press release

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