Location: Munster Map
Constructed: 1480 by the McMahons
Carrigaholt Castle, located in the small fishing village of Carrigaholt, County Clare, Ireland, is a well-preserved 15th-century tower house that stands as a testament to the region’s turbulent history and strategic importance. Situated on the Loop Head Peninsula at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary, the castle’s imposing structure and dramatic coastal setting make it a striking landmark, though its interior is inaccessible due to safety concerns and a haunting reputation.
Carrigaholt Castle, known in Irish as Carraig an Chabhaltaigh
(meaning "rock of the fleet"), was constructed around 1480 by the
McMahon clan, the last Gaelic chieftains to rule the West Corca Baiscinn
peninsula (now the Loop Head Peninsula). The McMahons were descendants
of Mathgamain mac Cennétig, and their castle was strategically
positioned to oversee the Shannon Estuary, a vital waterway for trade
and military movements. The castle’s history is deeply intertwined with
the political upheavals of Ireland, reflecting the clash between Gaelic
lords, Anglo-Norman influences, English Tudor conquests, and later
European conflicts.
Key Historical Events
Spanish Armada
(1588): In September 1588, during the Spanish Armada’s ill-fated attempt
to invade England, seven ships anchored in the Shannon Estuary near
Carrigaholt. The castle was then occupied by Teige Caech ("the
short-sighted") McMahon. Despite local legend suggesting Teige lured
Spanish crews into the castle to kill them and loot their ships,
historical records indicate the McMahons offered no aid to the Spanish.
Nevertheless, the castle was unsuccessfully besieged by Sir Conyers
Clifford, Governor of Connacht, in retaliation.
Rebellion and Siege
(1598–1599): Teige McMahon was a notorious rebel against English rule.
In 1598, he participated in an uprising in Clare, seizing an English
ship, capturing Dunbeg Castle, and briefly holding Daniel O’Brien
(brother of the Earl of Thomond) prisoner at Carrigaholt. The following
year, after a four-day siege by Donagh O’Brien, the 4th Earl of Thomond
(a Crown loyalist), Teige surrendered the castle. In breach of surrender
terms, the Earl hanged all remaining defenders. Teige escaped in his
stolen ship but was later killed in rebellion on the Beara Peninsula.
This marked the end of McMahon control and the broader conquest of
Gaelic Ireland by the Tudor dynasty.
O’Brien Ownership (1601–1690):
In 1601, the castle and its estate were awarded to Daniel O’Brien,
brother of the Earl of Thomond, who had fought for the English at the
Battle of Kinsale. Daniel, knighted in 1604 and later an MP for Clare,
inserted many of the castle’s windows and a fireplace dated 1603. His
allegiance shifted by 1613, and he played a significant role in the 1641
Confederate Catholic uprising. The castle withstood a siege by
Cromwell’s forces in 1651, but Daniel surrendered to Commander Ludlow
and went into exile in France until the Restoration in 1660. In 1662, he
returned as Baron of Moyarta and 1st Viscount Clare. His grandson, the
3rd Viscount Clare, raised the "Clare Dragoons" (including the "Yellow
Dragoons") for King James II during the Williamite War. After defeat at
the Battle of the Boyne (1690), the O’Briens joined the "Flight of the
Wild Geese," serving in the French army.
Later Ownership: After the
O’Briens’ exile, the estate was granted to the Earl of Albermarle in
1697 and later sold. The Burton family acquired the castle and resided
there until the late 19th century, after which it fell into ruin. Today,
it is maintained by the Office of Public Works, though the grounds are
privately owned.
Carrigaholt Castle is a five-story tower house, a type of fortified
residence primarily built by Anglo-Normans between the 15th and 17th
centuries. Unlike later castles designed for comfort, it was constructed
with defense in mind, though it served as the McMahons’ principal
residence. Its architecture is typical of Ireland’s over 80 surviving
tower houses in County Clare, many of which remain in good condition.
Structure: The castle is a tall, square tower surrounded by a bawn
(a walled courtyard), with its southwest corner abutting the enclosing
wall. It stands on a low cliff overlooking the Shannon Estuary, offering
commanding views. The tower is topped with two chimneys, though the
stone-vaulted roof is now inaccessible due to the castle’s ruinous
state.
Entrance and Defenses: The entrance features a pointed-arch
doorway on the east elevation, leading to a lobby with a murder hole
above (a slot for dropping projectiles or boiling substances on
intruders). A roof-level machicolation (an external murder hole) further
protects the doorway. A metal grille gateway and spiral staircase lead
to the upper floors and roof.
Interior: The interior, though now
largely an empty shell, includes remnants of modifications by Daniel
O’Brien, such as the 1603-dated fireplace on the fifth floor and several
windows. A bartizan (a small overhanging turret) adds to the castle’s
defensive aesthetic. Archaeological excavations have revealed traces of
an adjoining manor house, highlighting the castle’s residential role.
Condition: The castle is in ruins, with an unstable structure that
prevents public access to the interior. Erosion from tidal forces has
threatened its foundation, prompting conservation efforts. Visitors can
walk the grounds, where information boards provide historical context.
Carrigaholt Castle has gained notoriety as one of Ireland’s most
haunted sites, particularly due to a sealed room believed to harbor a
malevolent spirit. This reputation stems from a chilling incident in the
1920s, when an exorcist reportedly died of fright the morning after
attempting to cleanse the room. The room was permanently sealed, and
entry to the castle is now forbidden, partly for safety and partly due
to its sinister reputation.
Haunting Claims: Author Ann O’Regan,
a specialist in Irish hauntings, advises avoiding the castle, noting
that even paranormal investigators steer clear. She describes the sealed
room as containing a “malevolent spirit” best left undisturbed. Local
lore also mentions ghostly military exercises observed in nearby fields
as early as 1875.
Cultural Impact: The castle’s eerie reputation has
made it a subject of fascination for ghost enthusiasts, though its
inaccessibility limits direct investigation. Visitors are cautioned to
respect the site’s warnings and check access conditions before visiting.
Carrigaholt Castle is a highlight of the Loop Head Peninsula, part of
the Wild Atlantic Way, known for its rugged coastal scenery, seafood
restaurants, and dolphin-watching tours. The castle’s grounds offer
stunning views of the Shannon Estuary and opportunities for photography,
though its interior remains off-limits. Its historical and haunting
allure attracts visitors seeking a quieter, less touristy experience of
County Clare. Nearby attractions include Loop Head Lighthouse, Kilkee
Beach, and the Bridges of Ross.
Community Role: The village of
Carrigaholt, with its fishing pier and Irish-speaking heritage (part of
the West Clare Gaeltacht until 1956), relies on tourism and fishing. The
castle serves as a focal point for local history and pride, with
information boards enhancing the visitor experience.
Access and
Recommendations: Visitors can walk around the castle grounds but should
verify accessibility due to private ownership and structural concerns.
Tripadvisor reviews praise the castle’s serene location and historical
charm, recommending it as a stop on a Loop Head driving tour.