Location: Drimnagh Map
First mentioned in 1216 (owner is Sir Hugh de Bernival)
Drimnagh Castle (Caisleán Dhroimeanaigh), located in the suburb of Drimnagh in South Dublin, Ireland, is a remarkably preserved Norman castle and a unique historical site, distinguished as the only remaining castle in Ireland surrounded by a flooded moat. With a history spanning over 800 years, the castle is a testament to medieval architecture, Norman influence, and Ireland’s complex socio-political past.
Origins and the De Berneval Family
Drimnagh Castle’s origins trace
back to the early 13th century, during the Norman invasion of Ireland.
In 1215, King John granted lands in Drimnagh, Terenure, Kimmage, and
Ballyfermot to Hugo de Bernivale (also spelled de Bernival or de
Barneville), a Norman knight who arrived with Strongbow, the Earl of
Pembroke, during the invasion. The lands were awarded in recognition of
the de Bernivale family’s contributions to the Crusades and the Norman
conquest of Ireland. Hugo selected a site beside the “Crooked Glen”
(Cruimghlinn, now known as Lansdowne Valley), where the river Camac
flows, to build his castle. The area at the time was characterized by
rolling hills, dense forests, and sparse population, with only around 11
residents recorded in the 18th century.
The de Bernivale family,
later anglicized to Barnewall (or Barnewell), constructed the first
fortification in the mid-13th century, likely a wooden structure that
was destroyed during a raid by the O’Byrne clan from Wicklow. A more
durable stone castle was erected around 1280, with the basement of this
structure surviving as the oldest part of the current castle. The
Barnewall family held Drimnagh Castle for over four centuries, making it
one of Ireland’s longest continuously inhabited castles until the 20th
century. The family was prominent, with members like Wolfran de
Bernivale serving as Constable of Dublin Castle, Sheriff of County
Dublin, and a donor to the Leper Hospital at Palmerstown in 1277.
Later Occupants and Ownership
The Barnewalls remained at Drimnagh
until the mid-14th century, when the castle briefly passed to other
owners, including Chief Baron Bathe, who married Robert de Bernivale’s
widow. By the 17th century, the castle was occupied by figures like Adam
Loftus, nephew of Archbishop Loftus, builder of Rathfarnham Castle. In
1780, a Mr. Reilly replaced the castle’s drawbridge with a stone bridge,
marking a shift from its defensive role to a more stately home.
In the early 19th century, the Marquess of Lansdowne briefly owned the
castle, describing it as an “irregular pile” in decline. By the late
19th century, the Hatch family, local dairy farmers, purchased the
castle and its lands. Joseph Hatch, a Dublin City Council member from
1895 to 1907, initially used the estate for grazing but later restored
it as a summer home and venue for family events. The Hatch family
occupied the castle until the mid-1950s, when Louis Hatch bequeathed it
to Dr. P. Dunne, Bishop of Nara. The bishop sold it, reportedly for a
nominal sum, to the Christian Brothers, who established a school on the
grounds.
The Christian Brothers lived in the castle and ran a
school there until 1956, when they moved to a new monastery and school
nearby. By the mid-1980s, the castle had fallen into ruin, with
collapsed roofs, missing windows, and crumbling masonry. In 1978, the
local An Caisleán Gaelic Athletic Association club (now St James Gaels
GAA) renovated the castle’s coach house into a clubhouse.
Drimnagh Castle is a classic example of a medieval Norman
fortress, designed for defense while later adapted for residential
use. Its rectangular layout encloses the castle, its gardens, and a
courtyard, creating a fortified haven during times of conflict. Key
architectural features include:
Flooded Moat: The castle’s
most distinctive feature is its intact moat, fed by the Bluebell, a
tributary of the river Camac. The moat, originally serviced by a
drawbridge (replaced by a stone bridge in 1780), provided defense
against invaders and remains a unique characteristic, teeming with
fish and attracting ducks.
15th-Century Great Hall: The heart of
the castle, the Great Hall, features a restored medieval oak roof
and a 17th-century fireplace. The hall served as a communal space
for feasts and gatherings. A reproduction of the Barnewall family
crest, with warrior symbols and the Latin inscription “I would
rather die than dishonour my name,” hangs over the fireplace.
16th/17th-Century Tower: Attached to the Great Hall, this round
battlement tower offers commanding views of the surrounding area. It
includes a winding spiral staircase, designed to hinder invaders,
and a “murder hole” for defensive purposes.
Medieval Undercroft:
Located beneath the Great Hall, the undercroft served as a refuge
during attacks and a storage area. Its atmospheric stone walls
reflect the castle’s defensive origins.
20th-Century Stone
Building: A large early-20th-century structure on the site has
served variously as a stable, ballroom, and coach house, reflecting
the castle’s adaptation to modern uses.
17th-Century Formal
Gardens: The restored gardens, designed in a symmetrical layout,
feature box hedges, yew trees, mop-head laurels, and an allee of
hornbeam. Originally intended to supply herbs and medicinal plants,
the gardens add to the castle’s charm as a peaceful oasis.
The
castle’s grey limestone construction, tall turrets, and lookout
posts exemplify Norman military architecture, while later additions,
like the ballroom and gardens, reflect its evolution into a stately
home. Despite its relatively small size compared to larger castles
like Dublin Castle, Drimnagh’s intact moat and well-preserved
features make it a standout.
By the mid-1980s, Drimnagh Castle was in a state of severe disrepair.
In 1986, artist Peter Pearson, working with An Taisce (Ireland’s
National Trust), spearheaded a restoration project in collaboration with
FÁS (Foras Áiseanna Saothair), the state training authority. The
restoration was meticulous, with all work done by hand to preserve
historical authenticity. Key efforts included:
Reconstructing the
15th-century oak roof over the Great Hall.
Installing mullioned stone
windows.
Using lime mortars for stonework and plastering.
Carving
oak wood details.
Recreating the 17th-century formal gardens.
The
project, which ran until 1996, transformed the castle from a ruin into a
cherished heritage site. Pearson’s involvement was pivotal, and he later
led tours for groups like the Irish Georgian Society. The restoration
not only preserved the castle’s historical integrity but also made it
accessible to the public.
Drimnagh Castle is a cherished heritage site, voted Ireland’s number
one hidden gem by Tripadvisor. It serves multiple roles today:
Tourist Attraction: Guided tours, which require pre-booking, offer
visitors a journey through the castle’s history, architecture, and
gardens. Tours last approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and cost €9 for adults,
€7 for students and seniors, and €5 for children (cash payments in Euros
only). Visitors praise the knowledgeable guides, who share stories of
the Barnewall family and the castle’s medieval past.
Event Venue: The
castle is available for hire for weddings, presentations, product
launches, photo shoots, and film productions. Its picturesque setting
and historical ambiance make it a popular choice.
Film Location:
Drimnagh Castle has been featured in several productions, including The
Tudors (2007), Ella Enchanted (2004), The Abduction Club (2002), The Old
Curiosity Shop (2007), and Moonfleet (2013). Its authentic medieval
aesthetic makes it a sought-after filming location.
Educational and
Community Role: The castle hosts events like dry stone walling courses
and single-day community activities. Drimnagh Castle Secondary School,
operated by the Christian Brothers, is located adjacent to the castle,
reinforcing its community ties.
Drimnagh Castle is steeped in folklore, particularly the tale of
Eleanora Barnewall, a young woman from the late 16th century. According
to legend, Eleanora was betrothed to her cousin Edmund Barnewall to
secure family wealth and land but was in love with Sean O’Byrne, a
member of the rival O’Byrne clan from Wicklow. On the day of her
wedding, the O’Byrne clan ambushed Edmund’s entourage, killing him. In
retaliation, Eleanora’s uncle imprisoned her in the castle and had Sean
murdered. Two versions of the story exist:
Devastated, Eleanora
leapt from the castle walls to her death.
She escaped to find Sean’s
grave in the Dublin mountains, where she froze to death.
Since then,
Eleanora’s ghost is said to haunt the castle, wandering silently in
search of her lost love. Visitors and staff have reported feeling
watched, hearing cries, or smelling lilies, though no scientific
evidence supports these claims. Another legend claims Oliver Cromwell
stabled his horses at Drimnagh during his 1649 campaign in Ireland, and
his ghostly presence has been reported in the halls.
Visitors to Drimnagh Castle describe it as a “hidden gem” that
transports them to another era. The guided tours, led by passionate
historians, cover the castle’s architecture (including the murder hole
and undercroft), its history, and its restoration. The formal gardens
are a highlight, offering a tranquil contrast to the castle’s martial
origins. The castle’s proximity to Dublin city center (accessible via
Cork Street, Crumlin Road, and Long Mile Road) makes it an easy day
trip, though it is not wheelchair-friendly due to its gravel courtyard
and steep stairs.
Tripadvisor reviews praise the castle’s
authenticity and the enthusiasm of guides like Amanda and Gerben, though
some note that self-guided tours offer less to see. The castle’s small
size is offset by its rich history and well-preserved features, making
it a must-visit for those interested in Irish history, medieval
architecture, or folklore.