Kanturk Castle, Co. Cork Ireland – What’s The Story
July 23, 2009
Now as you ramble around this beautiful historical building, it’s hard to think that it was constructed in about 1601. Twenty scores are over and it is still remaining strong. ‘Bualadh bos’ to the stone masons. (Bualadh bos is Irish/Gaelic for applause or praise) Legend says that sStill stone masons all named John worked on the Castle. Thus at one time the fortress was known as “Carrig-na-Shane-Saor” i.e. The Rock of John the Mason.
There are various points of view on whom trully the castle was made for. Some say it was McDonogh MacCarthy, while others believe it was Dermot McOwen. Still the dating of the monument cannot be agreed upon. normally it is said to be late 16th century early 17th century.
Why was it that he never lived in it? Well, there is some more to that adage: ‘A man’s home is his castle …, and that is, ‘until the Queen arrives’. The neighbors of Kanturk Castle were growing a bit concerned about the hugeness of this building and to the reasons of its existence. The Privy Council, which was like close consultants to the Queen of England at the time, was made aware of this and ordered the work on the building to cease. So, ‘A man’s home is his castle until the queen arrives’.
So upset the overlord was, it’s believed that he broke the leaded glass and the tiles and flung them into the river.
Over time after that the possession changed ownership several times. It is now managed by An Taisce – The National Trust for Ireland, since 14th July 2000.
Why not come and see Kanturk Castle, County Cork, Ireland for yourself. As you walk around fantasize existing in the 15/1600s with the Mc Donagh McCarthy’s at Kanturk Castle.
Other references to Kanturk Castle: An Taisce press release, “The story of Kanturk Castle” by Jean J. McCarthy
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