Glenquin Castle

Glenquin castle is a tower castle dating from the 12th century, located near Killeedy in Ireland.

This six story tower castle proved to be a stronghold through the centuries in the area once known as Newcastle West.

 

Gleann Choim - The Glen of the Shelter

The Annals of the Four Masters records the O'Hallinan clan (O'Hanlon) as early as 983 A.D. They had built a castle on the present day site of Glenquin castle. The O'Briens who captured the castle. The O'Hanlon clan lost much of their lands but were able to hold on to parts of it and were known as the Lords of Orior. They were an important family who lands were known as "O'Hanlon's Country" as late as the 1600's.

The O'Briens were not to keep the Glenquin castle long, and lost it to the powerful Desmond Geraldines. The Geraldines (Fitzgerald) were able to keep their lands until 1571 when they revolted against the English. After a crushing defeat the Geraldine lands (as well as over 100 supporters lands) were confiscated by the English. After this, the castle passed through several hands.

It is said that Sir Walter Raleigh demolished parts of the castle. Glenquin Castle was given to Sir William Courtenay, Knight of Powerham in Devonshire, in September 1591. Some restoration work was done in the 1800's by the Earl of Devon. The Office of Public Works now takes care of it and Glenquin castle is being repaired and restored.