Drimnagh Castle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Drimnagh Castle (Irish: Caisleán Dhroimeanaigh) is a Norman castle located in Drimnagh, a suburb of Dublin, Ireland. It is the only remaining castle in Ireland with a flooded moat around it. Drimnagh Castle Christian Brothers Schools located next to the site of the castle.
Contents |
[edit] History
The earliest recorded owner of Drimnagh Castle was Hugo de Berneval who is mentioned in the state papers relating to Ireland in 1216. Hugo de Berneval was sent to Ireland on the 23rd August 1216 at King John's expense. King John granted Hugo: Seisin of his land at Drimnagh and Terenure in the Vale of Dublin, 12th December 1216.
The last occupants of Drimnagh Castle were the Hatch family, dairy farmers, who bequeathed the castle and surrounding grounds to the Christian Brothers in the mid 1950s. The buildings within the moat consist of a 15th century great hall with an attached 16th century tower, also a large early 20th century stone building used as a stable and a ballroom at one time and a coach house. Initially the brothers lived and ran a school there until 1956 when they moved to their new schools and monastery close by. By the mid 1980s the castle was a ruin with fallen roofs, missing windows and partly collapsed masonry.
In 1986 Peter Pearson a well known artist, with An Taisce, the national trust for Ireland, set up a local committee and got AnCo the state training authority, involved in a conservation and restoration programme. All work was carried out by hand; the construction of a 15th century medieval oak roof over the great hall, mullioned stone windows, lime mortars for building stone and plastering and wood carving in oak. A formal 17th century style garden was also created.
By 1996 the work programme finished although the castle was far from being restored. Today the castle provides tours to the public and can be hired as a venue for weddings and other events. Dry stone walling courses are also run there.
[edit] A note of interest
A number of movies and TV productions have been filmed at Drimnagh Castle, most notably 'The Abduction Club' 2002 directed by Stephen Schwartz, 'Ella Enchanted' 2004 directed by Tommy O'Haver and 'The Tudors' 2007 created by Michael Hirst.
[edit] See also
- Drimnagh Castle Primary School
- Drimnagh Castle Secondary School
[edit] External links
 |
This article about an Irish building or structure is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
