Castlekirk 1.47

Castlekirk, also called Hen's Castle, is a tower house and National Monument located in Lough Corrib, Ireland.LocationCastlekirk is located on a tiny island in the northwest corner of Lough Corrib, on the approach to Maum.HistoryThe castle was built early in the 12th century by the sons of Ruaidrí na Saide Buide (d. 1118) aided by William FitzAldelm and is one of the oldest mortared castles in Ireland.The Lord Justice Sir Edmond Butler, in 1225, caused Odo O'Flatherty to give up Castlekirk to Aedh Ua Conchobair, King of Connaught; for assurance of his fidelity. The castle was knocked down by Fedlimid, son of Cathal Crobhdearg Ua Conchobair in 1233.Gráinne Ní Mháille in 1546, at the age of sixteen, married Dónal an-Chogaidh O'Flaherty who, because of his aggressive behaviour, got the nickname ‘the Cock’ and she was in turn was called ‘the Hen’. When Donal was murdered she fought back with fury and with such determination the castle became known as ‘Hen’s Castle’, the name it still bears.It continued to be occupied as a castle until it finally succumbed to Cromwellian soldiers in 1654.