Location: Newcastlewest, County Limerick Map
Constructed: 15th and 18th century
Springfield Castle, located in Drumcollogher (also spelled Dromcollogher), County Limerick, Ireland, is a historic 15th-century tower house and estate that serves as the ancestral home of Lord and Lady Muskerry. Set on a 200-acre wooded estate, approached by a three-quarter-mile avenue lined with ancient lime trees, this Neo-Gothic castle complex blends medieval architecture with Georgian elegance and modern luxury. Known historically as Gort na Tiobrad (“Field of the Well”), it was established by the Norman Fitzgerald family in 1280 and has evolved through centuries of conflict, patronage, and restoration. Today, owned by Robert Deane, 9th Baron Muskerry, and managed by his relatives Jonathan and Betty, Springfield Castle is a premier self-catering rental, wedding venue, and cultural site, accommodating up to 25 guests. Its rich history, distinctive architecture, and organic estate make it a unique destination in Ireland’s southwest.
Springfield Castle’s 700-year history reflects Ireland’s complex
socio-political landscape, from Norman conquest to Gaelic
integration, English confiscations, and modern revival.
Norman Origins (1280–15th Century): The Fitzgerald family, a
junior branch of the Earls of Desmond, settled at Gort na
Tiobrad in 1280 after a Fitzgerald married a lady of the Gaelic
O’Coileáin (O’Collins) clan, lords of Claonghlais. Adopting the
title Lords of Claonghlais, they built an initial fortification,
likely a motte-and-bailey, followed by a stone tower house
around 1480. The Fitzgeralds became “more Irish than the Irish
themselves,” embracing Gaelic customs, language, and patronage
of the arts. They sheltered the renowned 17th-century Irish poet
Dáibhí Ó Bruadair (1625–1698), who described Springfield as “a
mansion abounding in poetry, prizes, and people,” recording the
family’s lives and regional events. A plaque at the castle’s
gateway commemorates Ó Bruadair’s residency.
Turbulent 17th
Century: The Fitzgeralds’ loyalty to Gaelic traditions put them
at odds with the English Crown. During the Desmond Rebellions
(1569–1583), they faced land confiscations, a pattern repeated
in 1691 after the Williamite War. Following the Treaty of
Limerick, Sir John Fitzgerald fled to France with Patrick
Sarsfield, joining the Jacobite cause, and the family lost
Springfield permanently. The estate was purchased by William
Fitzmaurice, a younger son of the 20th Lord of Kerry and a
cousin of the Fitzgeralds, marking a new chapter.
Georgian
Expansion (18th Century): William’s son, John Fitzmaurice, built
a grand three-story Georgian mansion adjacent to the
15th-century keep around 1740, reflecting the family’s wealth
and status. In 1780, Ann Fitzmaurice, sole heiress, married Sir
Robert Deane, who was created 1st Baron Muskerry in 1781. The
Deane family has owned Springfield ever since, with their motto,
Forti et fideli nihil dificile (“Nothing is difficult to the
strong and faithful”), inscribed above the gateway.
19th
Century and Irish War of Independence: The Georgian mansion
thrived until 1921, when the Irish Republican Army burned it
down during the War of Independence, targeting Anglo-Irish
estates. Sir Robert Deane, 5th Baron Muskerry, rebuilt the
servants’ wing in the 1920s, preserving parts of the complex.
The 15th-century tower and outbuildings survived, maintaining
the estate’s historical core.
Modern Restoration (20th–21st
Century): In recent decades, the Deane family, led by Jonathan
and Betty, restored the castle, focusing on the 15th-century
tower and the 18th-century East Tower wing. The castle was
adapted for self-catering accommodation, opening to the public
as a luxury rental and wedding venue. The East Tower, renovated
by 2013, offers modern amenities while preserving historical
features. The castle’s organic farm and walled garden were
developed, supplying local restaurants with produce. Springfield
has been listed by The Irish Times as one of Ireland’s top 10
castles and by One Fab Day as a top wedding venue for two
consecutive years.
The narrative of continuous
Fitzgerald-Deane ownership is consistent across sources, but the
lack of primary records for the 1280 fortification raises
questions about its exact nature. The 1691 confiscation and
Fitzgerald exodus align with broader historical patterns of
Catholic dispossession, though details of their French exile are
sparse. The IRA burning in 1921 fits the targeting of Big
Houses, but sources omit specific motives, possibly to avoid
politicizing the castle’s modern appeal.
Springfield Castle is a complex of buildings centered around
a courtyard, blending medieval, Georgian, and Gothic Revival
elements. Its Neo-Gothic main residence, 15th-century tower
house, and renovated 18th-century East Tower create a
distinctive architectural ensemble, enhanced by its 200-acre
estate.
Structure:
15th-Century Tower House: The
original keep, built by the Fitzgeralds c. 1480, is a four-story
stone tower with thick limestone walls and a mural staircase
(stone steps within the wall’s thickness), a rare and
well-preserved feature. Recently restored, it is used for
weddings and events, with its battlements and narrow windows
evoking medieval fortitude. The tower’s robust design reflects
Norman defensive priorities, with gunloops and a battered plinth
for stability.
18th-Century East Tower: A smaller three-stage
tower, built c. 1740 by John Fitzmaurice, adjoins the Georgian
mansion’s remnants. Renovated by 2013, it houses five bedrooms
(sleeping 10), including the Clock Suite (a double and twin room
with ensuite). The tower features tooled limestone turrets,
pinnacles, and a camber-headed carriage arch, adding Gothic
flair.
Neo-Gothic Main Residence: Rebuilt c. 1925 by the 5th
Baron Muskerry after the 1921 fire, the main house is an
eight-bay, two-story structure with a single-bay, three-stage
entrance tower. Its Gothic Revival style includes pinnacled
turrets, a crenelated parapet, and a tooled limestone crest with
dragons and crowns. The house, incorporating the rebuilt
servants’ wing, has eight bedrooms (sleeping 15), six bathrooms
(one with a sauna), and elegant interiors.
Courtyard and
Outbuildings: The central courtyard, enclosed by the towers and
residence, includes workshops, stables, and a gazebo. Rubble
stone walls and carriage arches preserve the complex’s
historical character. A mechanized clock, built by a Deane
ancestor, controls a calendar, lunar calendar, and bell,
showcasing technical ingenuity.
Interior:
Main House:
The drawing room, dining room, and study are furnished with
antiques, family portraits, and period decor, creating a “regal”
yet comfortable ambiance. The dining room, with Art Deco
elements, seats large groups, while the study offers high-speed
Wi-Fi. The kitchen features a four-oven AGA cooker, electric
stove, and a large table, doubling as a family room. A scullery
with a dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer, plus a pantry
with multiple fridges, supports self-catering.
East Tower:
The tower’s interiors are modern, with ensuite bathrooms,
contemporary furnishings, and a large open-plan living space
with books and a TV/games room. The Clock Suite’s design
balances historical charm with luxury.
Additional Amenities:
The attic houses a table-tennis table and a billiards table
(though cues need repair). A hot tub, soccer field, and
children’s play area enhance the estate’s appeal.
Exterior
and Grounds: The castle’s limestone and rendered facade, with
diamond motifs and Gothic turrets, is approached via a grand
gateway with dressed limestone piers and a pointed arch. The
200-acre estate includes organic farmland, woodlands, and a
Victorian walled garden producing salads, herbs, and flowers.
Deer roam the fields, and walking trails offer wildlife
sightings. A tennis court, croquet pitch, and barbecue area
provide recreation. The lime-tree-lined avenue creates a
“fairy-tale” entrance, though some visitors note modern farm
elements slightly detract from the medieval aura.
The Gothic
Revival style, emphasized in sources, aligns with 19th-century
romanticism, but the 1925 rebuilding’s fidelity to the original
Georgian mansion is unclear, as few pre-1921 records survive.
The mural staircase’s rarity is well-documented, but claims of a
1280 castle lack archaeological evidence, possibly conflating
earlier fortifications with the 15th-century keep.
Springfield Castle’s cultural importance spans its Norman-Gaelic
roots, literary patronage, and modern role as a heritage tourism
destination.
Fitzgerald Legacy: The Fitzgeralds’ integration with
the O’Coileáin clan and patronage of Dáibhí Ó Bruadair highlight their
role as cultural mediators. Ó Bruadair’s elegies and chronicles,
preserved in manuscripts, offer rare insights into 17th-century Gaelic
life, making Springfield a literary touchstone.
Deane Family
Continuity: The Deane family’s ownership since 1780, with the Muskerry
title, underscores aristocratic resilience through confiscations,
rebellion, and modernization. Their motto, Forti et fideli nihil
dificile, reflects their enduring stewardship, though their Anglo-Irish
identity may have fueled the 1921 IRA attack, a detail sources downplay.
Literary and Artistic Connections: Beyond Ó Bruadair, the castle
inspired modern works, including a 2017 bridal collection by Catherine
Deane, shot on-site to evoke “whimsical fairy-tale romance.” Its
photogenic grounds have featured in wedding photography and art,
reinforcing its romantic image.
Community Role: As a wedding and
event venue, Springfield fosters local pride, employing residents and
supplying organic produce to restaurants. Its inclusion in The Irish
Times and One Fab Day lists elevates its national profile, though some
locals lament restricted public access due to its private rental model.
The castle’s narrative as a harmonious blend of Norman and Gaelic
cultures is compelling but may oversimplify tensions between Anglo-Irish
elites and native Irish, especially during confiscations. The Ó Bruadair
connection is well-documented, but his elegies also lament Fitzgerald
losses, hinting at a more conflicted history than tourist materials
suggest.
Springfield Castle is a luxury self-catering rental and event venue,
exclusively booked for groups of up to 25, ideal for family reunions,
weddings, and celebrations. Approved by Fáilte Ireland with a Tourist
Accommodation Quality Standard, it balances historical authenticity with
modern comfort.
Accommodation:
Main Castle: Sleeps 15 in eight
bedrooms (five doubles, one twin/double, two singles), with six
bathrooms (one with a sauna). Features include a banquet hall, drawing
room, study, and a fully equipped kitchen with AGA cooker.
East
Tower: Sleeps 10 in five bedrooms (three doubles, one double with twin
suite), all ensuite. Includes a contemporary kitchen, dining room, and
living space with games.
Rental Options: The castle and tower can be
rented separately or together, with prices varying by group size and
season (inquire for rates). Check-in is 4 pm, check-out 10 am, with a
50% deposit required.
Events:
Weddings: Springfield specializes in
boutique weddings for up to 35 (dining room) or 80 (Green Room for
informal meals), approved for civil ceremonies and blessings. The Deanes
arrange celebrants, florists, musicians, and catering, tailoring each
event. The tower and grounds provide stunning photo backdrops, as seen
in a 2017 Nova Scotia couple’s wedding.
Catered Events: Optional
catered meals, from breakfasts to five-course dinners, are prepared by
local chefs (e.g., Caroline and Tilly). Guests praise candlelit dinners
and live music, such as a 2019 birthday celebration with a three-piece
band.
Cultural Events: The castle hosts occasional music, art, and
history tours, often led by Jonathan or Betty, who share family stories.
Activities:
On-Site: Guests enjoy woodland walks, organic garden
visits, deer spotting, tennis, croquet, soccer, and a hot tub. Children
love the play area and interacting with animals (e.g., a peacock named
Elvis, a dog named Fitzy). Jonathan offers tractor rides to feed deer,
delighting families.
Nearby: Day trips to the Cliffs of Moher, Ring
of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney Lakes, and cities like Limerick
and Cork (1 hour) or Waterford (2.5 hours) are accessible. Golf at
Ballybunion, Adare Manor, or local courses, plus fishing, horse riding,
and clay pigeon shooting, are popular. Mini-bus hire is recommended for
group tours.
Visitor Experience:
Location and Access: At
Drumcollogher, Co. Limerick, V42 PD61, the castle is 1 hour from Shannon
Airport (60 km) and 30 minutes from Limerick City (35 km). Bus Éireann
routes from Limerick to Drumcollogher (30 minutes) stop 10 minutes’ walk
from the castle. Taxis from Limerick cost €40–50. The M7/M20 motorways
ensure easy driving access.
Tours: Guided history tours, led by
Jonathan or Betty, cover the Fitzgeralds, Deanes, and tower restoration.
The mural staircase and mechanized clock are highlights, though access
depends on booking schedules.
Ambiance: Guests describe the castle as
“grand,” “magical,” and “a paradise,” with antique furnishings, fresh
flowers, and fireplaces creating a warm, regal atmosphere. The East
Tower’s modern interiors contrast with the castle’s ornate, slightly
worn charm. Reviewers praise the hosts’ hospitality, with Jonathan and
Betty arranging dinners, music, and activities, making guests feel “part
of the Irish community.”
Reviews: TripAdvisor and other platforms
highlight the castle’s spaciousness, comfortable beds, and activities
for all ages. A 2023 review lauded its suitability for a 14-person
family, while a 2019 group of 22 enjoyed Guinness kegs and perfect
weather. Some note minor issues, like worn billiards cues or plumbing
kinks in the East Tower, but overall ratings are high (4.5/5 on
TripAdvisor).
Tips for Visitors:
Book via
springfieldcastle.com or contact Jonathan/Betty for availability,
especially for weddings or peak seasons (spring/summer).
Request
catered meals or music in advance to enhance the experience.
Bring
sturdy shoes for estate walks and warm clothing, as the castle can be
chilly, even in August.
Plan day trips early, using the hosts’
recommendations for mini-bus hire or local guides.
Note limited
public access; the castle is exclusively rented, so casual visits
require pre-arranged tours.
Challenges:
Privacy vs. Access:
The rental model prioritizes guest privacy, limiting walk-in tours and
prompting requests for walkers to avoid the estate.
Maintenance: The
castle’s age requires ongoing upkeep, with some guests noting worn decor
or minor plumbing issues in the East Tower.
Cost: Prices, unlisted in
sources, are likely high, reflecting the luxury experience, which may
exclude budget travelers.
Historical Accuracy: The 1280 origin claim
lacks corroboration, and the 1921 fire’s context is underexplored,
possibly to maintain a neutral tourism narrative.
Mural Staircase: A rare 15th-century feature in the main tower,
showcasing medieval craftsmanship.
Mechanized Clock: A Deane
ancestor’s invention, controlling calendars and a bell, is a technical
marvel.
Gothic Gateway: The limestone entrance with Ó Bruadair’s
plaque and the Deane motto sets a grand tone.
Walled Garden: The
Victorian-era organic garden supplies local markets and offers a serene
retreat.
Lime-Tree Avenue: The three-quarter-mile driveway creates a
fairy-tale approach, enhancing the estate’s mystique.
Springfield Castle fits Ireland’s tradition of Norman tower houses (e.g., Oranmore, Tyrrellspass), built for defense and status, later adapted into grand residences. Its Fitzgerald-O’Coileáin alliance mirrors Norman-Gaelic integration, while the 1691 confiscation reflects Catholic dispossession under English rule. The 1921 IRA burning situates it in the Anglo-Irish conflict, though sources avoid delving into local dynamics, likely to preserve its appeal as a neutral heritage site. Ó Bruadair’s poetry connects Springfield to Ireland’s Gaelic literary tradition, akin to Thoor Ballylee’s link to Yeats. Its modern role as a wedding and tourism venue aligns with the repurposing of castles like Ashford or Bunratty, balancing preservation with economic viability.
Maintaining a 15th-century castle and 200-acre estate is
resource-intensive:
Structural Upkeep: The tower’s restoration and
East Tower renovation show commitment, but ongoing maintenance is needed
for stonework, roofs, and plumbing.
Flooding and Environment: Unlike
Thoor Ballylee, Springfield faces no documented flood risks, but its
organic farm requires sustainable practices to combat climate impacts.
Balancing Use and Heritage: Heavy guest traffic risks wear, mitigated by
exclusive rentals and limited public access. The Deanes’ hands-on
management ensures care, but funding relies on bookings.
Historical
Gaps: The 1280 claim and sparse pre-15th-century records suggest
possible embellishment for tourism. Critical examination of
Fitzgerald-era artifacts or Ó Bruadair’s manuscripts could clarify the
narrative.
The Deanes’ organic farming and community engagement
(e.g., supplying restaurants) enhance the estate’s sustainability, but
restricted access frustrates local historians seeking broader public
engagement.