Castlekirk Castle

Castlekirk is a 13^th century keep, built to replace an earlier fortification belonging to Odo O’Flaherty. Built for Feidhlim, king of Connacht in 1235, and known locally as Caisleán na Circe, Castlekirk sits on a ½ acre island in Lough Corrib. Overtime the O’Flaherty’s regained possession of Castlekirk. Evidence of refurbishment is dated to the 16^th Castlekirk is a rectangular keep with square angle-towers on all sides, and is a two-storey structure.  Entry was via a doorway in the south angle-tower, and lead to an intramural stair giving access to the chamber above.

Castlekirk is also known as ‘Hen’s Castle’, and was the property of Dónal an Chogaidh Ó Flaithbheartaigh (Donal of the War), who became Gráinne Mhaol’s first husband. Dónal, with his passion for warfare was nicknamed ‘the Cock’, with Gráinne acquiring the moniker ‘the Hen’ after their marriage. Through marriage Dónal now held west Connaught and had expectations of ruling all of Connaught. In 1565 Dónal was murdered by a suspected member of the Joyce clan. The Joyces had been marrying and acquiring territory at a great rate with Joyce country  being a cultural region today. The Joyces were frequently at war with the Bourke’s, O’Flaherty’s and after Dónal’s murder set their sights on Castlekirk. Gráinne Mhaol fought fiercely against the invading Joyces, who believed Gráinne would capitulate. The Joyces were forced to retreat from Castlekirk as Gráinne Mhaol successfully defended the castle. From that time onwards, Castlekirk earned the name ‘Hen’s Castle’.

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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014