The Castle that stands there today is an early 17th century castle built mainly for comfortable living accommodation rather then for defence, although it is semi-fortified as you can tell from the windows; but the story begins long before the 17th century. The O’Caoimhins (Cavanaghs or Keaveneys) had their chief residence at Inniscrone as seniors of the race of Fiachra, although O’Dowdas were the overlords of the district, and it is evident that the O’Dowdas taken Inniscrone from the Cavanaghs from time to time.
The first mention of “The Castle of Inniscrone” was in 1417A.D when Tadgh Riabhach died there as King of Tireragh, in 1432 A.D. The castle was mentioned again in 1483 at the death of Donchada Ultach O’Dowda in “Inis Sgreabhan Castle”.
I’m not sure what happened between 1432 and 1512, but from what I can gather O’Dubhada is now presiding at the castle. While O’Donnell was conquering Belclare Castle, which was owned by Mac William Burke of Tirawley, Burke tried to outwit O’Donnell by de-touring into Tireragh and taking Inniscrone castle from the O’Dubhda’s in the absence of O’Donnell. Leaving his son Ulick Burke and a large troop at the castle, Burke made his way back to Tirawley.
O’Donnell, hearing of Burke’s deed followed him and caught up with him while crossing the Moy river near Ardnaree and inflicted severe wounds on him and returned to Inniscrone were he and his men surrounded the castle for four days
Burkes troops then gave in on conditon that they could go free, O’Donnell kept his word but kept Burkes son, as hostage for the future of Burkes good conduct.
O’Donnell then Demolished the castle so Burke could not take it from its rightful owner again.
In 1570 A.D. Randall Mor MacDonnell built or re-built the castle and married the widow of the O’Dowda chieftain. In 1597 brothers Fearadach and Cormac (which I guess was Randall’s sons) MacDonnell Sold the Castle to John Corfton, who then sold it to a man from Ballinrobe called Thomas Nolan, who’s son occupied the building until The 1641 rebellion, where the Irish Commandeered it and placed a garrison in the castle where it was the scene of a small skirmish.
In 1645 it was captured by Cromwellian forces that used it until the end of the war. It was then granted to sir Francis Gore.
I have read a lot about the enniscrone castle and that is the best i can make of it all, if I have got any of it wrong please let me know, my e-mail address is
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