Oranmore Castle
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7a/Ireland_map_County_Galway_Magnified.png)
Oranmore Castle is a castle in Oranmore, County Galway, in Ireland.
History
Oranmore Castle was most likely built some time around the 15th century, possibly on top of an older castle.[1] The Clanricardes, a notable family from Galway, used it as a stronghold. In March 1642 the town, Oranmore, joined Confederate Ireland in a rebellion, against which the owners of the castle, the Marquess and the fifth Earl Clanricarde, held out.[1] Clanricarde supplied the Fort of Galway from the sea until 1643, when, without the Marquess’s sanction, Captain Willoughby Governor of Galway surrendered.[1][2]
While ownership was temporarily lost, the 6th Earl regained possession, and in 1666 leased the castle to Walter Athy, whose descendents kept control of Oranmore until 1853.[1] It was then abandoned and left to the elements.[3]
The castle was reroofed after Anita Leslie purchased it in 1947 for £200, as it had fallen into disrepair.[4][5]
Layout
The castle, a rectangular towerhouse, has four stories, a square staircase turret, and gunloops on the bottom floor. [6]
Media
Oranmore Castle was featured in the 23 March 2001 episode of The Scariest Places on Earth.[3] It was also used for the shooting of Alfred the Great.[7] It also served as a film location for the Jack Taylor (TV Series) film The Pikeman.
External links
References
- ^ a b c d "History". Oranmore Castle. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
- ^ Furey, Brian (1991). Oranmore Maree: a history of a cultural and social heritage. p. 43.
- ^ a b "Oranmore Castle". discoverireland.ie. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
- ^ "Wartime submarine commander and adventurer turns 100". Galway News. 25 June 2010. Archived from the original on March 3, 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
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suggested) (help) - ^ Bence-Jones, Mark (1978). Burke's Guide to Country Houses. Burke's Peerage. p. 229.
- ^ "Oranmore Castle". phouka.com. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
- ^ "Film Location". Oranmore Castle. Retrieved 4 January 2014.