Location: R357 regional road Map
Constructed: 1500
Clonony Castle, known in Irish as Caisleán Chluain Damhna (meaning "meadow of the oxen" or "meadow of the monastery"), is a late medieval tower house located in the small hamlet of Clonony, County Offaly, Ireland. Built around 1500 by the MacCoghlan clan, this 50-foot (15-meter) Tudor-style castle stands on a limestone outcrop near the River Brosna and the Grand Canal, approximately 1.5 km west of Cloghan and 6.5 km east of Banagher. Renowned for its historical ties to the Boleyn family, its well-preserved architecture, and its reputed hauntings, Clonony Castle is a National Monument and a striking example of Ireland’s tower house tradition.
Clonony Castle was constructed by the MacCoghlan clan, hereditary
chieftains of Delvin Eathra (now the barony of Garrycastle), a territory
in west Offaly bounded by the River Shannon and surrounded by bogs. The
MacCoghlans, also known locally as the “Maws” or “Mas,” were one of
Leinster’s royal clans, eligible for the provincial kingship, which led
to internal strife. The castle, one of several MacCoghlan strongholds
(including Coole, Banagher, and Kilcolgan), was built to assert control
over the region and defend against rival clans like the O’Molloys.
The castle’s history is marked by violence, as recorded in the
Annals of the Four Masters, and its later transfer to English hands
reflects the Tudor conquest of Ireland. Its association with the Boleyn
family, particularly Anne Boleyn, ties it to one of the most dramatic
episodes of English history.
Key Historical Events
Construction and Early Violence (c. 1500–1553): Built around 1500,
Clonony Castle appears in the Annals of the Four Masters under its older
names, Cluana Damhna and Cluain Nóna. In 1519, a clan war between the
descendants of Farrell and Donnell MacCoghlan resulted in the death of
James MacCoghlan, Prior of Gallen and heir presumptive of Delvin Eathra,
killed by a musket shot from the castle—one of Ireland’s earliest
recorded deaths by gunfire. In 1553, during a conflict with the
O’Molloys, a peasant reportedly betrayed the castle’s warders, killing
three with an axe, tying up a woman, and seizing control, an act
described as a “bold achievement for one churl.” These incidents
highlight the castle’s role as a contested stronghold.
Cession to
Henry VIII and the Boleyns (Early 16th Century): In the 1520s, John Óg
MacCoghlan, head of the sept, ceded Clonony Castle to Henry VIII as part
of the surrender and regrant policy, aligning with the Crown during the
Elizabethan wars. Henry granted the castle to Thomas Boleyn, father of
Anne Boleyn, elevating him to Earl of Ormond in a strategic move to make
Anne a suitable bride for the king. Thomas’s mother was a daughter of
Thomas Butler, 7th Earl of Ormond, connecting the Boleyns to Irish
nobility, though matrilineal descent did not legally transfer the
earldom under English law. After Anne’s execution in 1536 and the
Boleyns’ fall from favor, her cousins (or possibly nieces), Mary and
Elizabeth Boleyn, fled to Clonony for safety. They lived out their lives
there, and their tombstone, discovered in 1803 about 100 yards from the
castle, lies beneath a hawthorn tree in the bawn. The limestone slab,
measuring 8 by 4 feet, reads: “Here under leys Elisabeth and Mary
Bullyn, daughters of Thomas Bullyn, son of George Bullyn the son of
George Bullyn Viscount Rochford son of Sir Thomas Bullyn Erle of Ormond
and Willsheere.” Their remains were later moved to Gallen Priory in the
19th century.
Matthew de Renzi and English Plantation (1612–1634):
After the MacCoghlans’ estates were forfeited following Cuchogrie
MacCoghlan’s death in 1601 during the Nine Years’ War, Clonony Castle
and 100 acres were granted to Matthew de Renzi around 1612. De Renzi, a
German-born cloth merchant from Antwerp, had lived in London before
seeking fortune in Ireland. Despite his disdain for Gaelic culture, he
learned Irish from the Mac Bruaideadh and Tadhg Ó hUiginn, composing an
Irish grammar, dictionary, and chronicle. His acquisition of Clonony was
contentious, as Seán Óg MacCoghlan disputed his claim, continuing to
farm the surrounding lands. De Renzi sold his interest in Clonony by
1620, using it as a stepping stone to acquire 1,016 acres in Garrycastle
and properties in Westmeath, Wexford, and Dublin. Knighted in 1627, he
advocated for the destruction of Gaelic manuscripts, seeing them as
propaganda.
Later Ownership and Decline (19th–20th Centuries): In the
1830s, the castle was owned by Edmond Molony, a barrister who kept
flagstaffs on the battlements to celebrate legal victories. His wife’s
death in 1839 was commemorated with a verbose epitaph in St. George’s
Chapel, London, praising her as “hot, passionate and tender” and a
“superb drawer in water colours.” Ownership disputes arose after
Molony’s death, with a court case in the 1840s favoring Mr. Seymour of
Banagher over Celia Kelly. By the mid-19th century, John and Thomas
Murray owned the castle, leasing it to Peter Callaghan. The castle
suffered damage during the War of Independence (1919–1921) and was taken
over by the Board of Works in 1940. It fell into ruin until restoration
began in the 21st century.
Modern Restoration (2002–Present): In
2002, Scottish novelist Campbell Armstrong and his wife, American
ballerina Rebecca Armstrong Black, purchased Clonony Castle. After
Campbell’s death, Rebecca continued restoration, living in the castle
since 2010. The castle was listed for sale in 2022 for €695,000,
described as a three-bedroom, two-bathroom property with three acres.
Clonony Castle is a well-preserved example of a late medieval
tower house, constructed in the Tudor style from local limestone on
a limestone bedrock foundation. Standing 50 feet tall and three
stories high, it is surrounded by a bawn (defensive wall) with a
moat and gardens, dominating the surrounding landscape. Its
architectural features reflect both defensive and residential
purposes, typical of the period.
Exterior: The castle is
rectangular, with a base batter (sloping lower walls) for stability.
The main entrance on the west wall, built from worked stones
possibly from an earlier structure, features a machicolation (an
overhanging defensive slot) and a murder hole above for dropping
projectiles. The bawn wall, partially rebuilt in the 19th century,
includes flanking towers at the northwest, southwest, and southeast
corners, each with defensive gun-loops. The north wall is missing,
and 19th-century ancillary buildings surround the castle on the
west, south, and east. A formal entrance gate and the ruins of an
old church in one corner add to the site’s historical character.
Interior: The castle’s three floors include a ground-floor hall,
kitchen, dining room, living room with two alcoves (one a bedroom,
one a study), a master bedroom, bathroom, shower, and a “ladies’
chamber.” The first floor, which had collapsed, was replaced during
restoration, and the second floor features a restored barrel-vaulted
ceiling, a hallmark of Tudor architecture. A spiral staircase,
partially destroyed when the castle was derelict to prevent access,
leads to the upper floors, though it remains restricted for safety.
Mural passages, gun-loops, round-headed, ogee-headed, and
flat-headed windows, and a garderobe (medieval toilet) are present.
A roof/deck area, added during restoration, offers views of the
surrounding countryside.
Restoration Details: Since 2010, Rebecca
Armstrong Black has sensitively restored the castle under the
National Monuments Acts, replacing the first floor, restoring the
barrel-vaulted ceiling, and installing new windows, doors,
bathrooms, and a kitchen. The castle is now habitable, with modern
amenities blending seamlessly with its medieval character.
Condition: The castle is in excellent condition, a testament to
recent restoration efforts. It is a National Monument, protected by
the state, and open to the public for free tours, though access
depends on the owner’s availability.
Clonony Castle is a cultural gem, bridging Gaelic, Tudor, and
Anglo-Irish histories. Its connection to the Boleyn family ties it to
the English Reformation, while its MacCoghlan origins reflect Gaelic
resistance and adaptation. The castle’s survival through centuries of
conflict, including escaping Cromwell’s campaign, underscores its
resilience.
Boleyn Legacy: The castle’s association with Mary and
Elizabeth Boleyn, who sought refuge after Anne’s execution, adds a
poignant chapter to Tudor history. Their tombstone, a rare artifact,
connects Clonony to the dramatic rise and fall of one of England’s most
infamous families. Local lore suggests Mary threw herself from the
parapets in grief over Elizabeth’s early death, though this is
unverified.
MacCoghlan Heritage: The castle embodies the MacCoghlans’
status as regional lords, their internal feuds, and their eventual loss
of power during the English plantation. The 1519 musketry incident
highlights the castle’s role in early firearm use in Ireland.
De
Renzi’s Influence: Matthew de Renzi’s ownership illustrates the
complexities of plantation, as he leveraged Gaelic knowledge to secure
his claim while advocating for cultural suppression. His Irish
dictionary, though motivated by self-interest, is a notable contribution
to linguistics.
Tourism and Community: Clonony Castle is a highlight
of County Offaly’s heritage, near attractions like Clonmacnoise, a
6th-century monastic site, and Shannon Harbour, a historic canal port.
Its restoration by Rebecca Armstrong Black, a former ballerina, has made
it a vibrant destination. Tripadvisor reviews praise Rebecca’s warm
hospitality and storytelling, describing the castle as “architecturally
wonderful” and “steeped with historical significance.” Plans for a
glamping site within the bawn aim to enhance its appeal.
Clonony Castle is reputedly haunted, adding to its mystique. The primary ghost is a man in old-fashioned clothes, surrounded by a hazy, eerie glow, who appears at the top of the tower. This figure, possibly linked to the castle’s violent past or the Boleyn sisters’ tragic story, has been reported by visitors and locals. The castle’s inclusion in lists of haunted Irish castles, such as on medieval-castle.com, underscores its eerie reputation, though specific incidents are less documented than at sites like Carrigaholt Castle.
Clonony Castle is a private residence owned by Rebecca Armstrong
Black, who has lived there since 2010 while overseeing its restoration.
It was listed for sale in 2022 for €695,000 but remains open for free
public tours, subject to the owner’s availability. The castle’s three
acres include gardens, a moat, and the Boleyn tombstone, making it a
compact but rich historical site.
Access: Located at coordinates
53°14’N, 7°55’W on the R357, Clonony Castle is easily found, 7 km north
of Shannonbridge and near Clonmacnoise. Parking is available roadside,
and the castle is signposted. Contact Helen Cassidy at Premier
Properties Ireland (helencassidyauctioneer@gmail.com or +353 87 246
3748) for tour inquiries.
Visitor Experience: Tours, led by Rebecca,
cover the castle’s history, Boleyn connections, and restoration process.
Visitors can explore the ground floor, view the restored barrel-vaulted
ceiling, and see the Boleyn tombstone. The castle’s modern amenities,
including three bedrooms and two bathrooms, make it a unique blend of
medieval and contemporary. Its proximity to Clonmacnoise, Birr Castle,
and Leap Castle allows for a day of historical exploration in Offaly.
Safety and Recommendations: The castle is safe for visitors, but the
spiral staircase and upper floors are restricted. Wear sturdy shoes for
the uneven grounds, and bring water, as there are no on-site facilities.
Check with the owner for tour availability, as it is a private home.
Respect the property and its historical artifacts, especially the Boleyn
tombstone.