Kanturk Castle, County Cork Ireland - So The Story Goes
“A man’s home is his castle…” so the wise proverb goes. Sadly in this case, it seems Kanturk Castle, Cork, Ireland never became a residence. Regardless of it, what did get constructed was and is magnificent. The main building is made up of 4 story, while each tower stands up to 5 story.
Today as you ramble around this great historical building, it’s hard to believe that it was constructed in about 1601. Twenty scores later and it is still remaining strong. ‘Bualadh bos’ to the stone masons. (Bualadh bos is Irish/Gaelic for applause or praise) Legend says that sEven stonemasons all named John worked on the Castle. So at one time the Castle was known as “Carrig-na-Shane-Saor” i.e. The Rock of John the Mason.
There are various beliefs on whom precisely the castle was made for. Some think it was McDonogh McCarthy, while others feel it was Dermot MacOwen. Still the dating of the monument cannot be agreed upon. usually it is known to be late 16th century early 17th century.
Why was it that he never inhabited it? Well, there is some more to that saying: ‘A man’s home is his castle …, but that is, ‘until the Queen arrives’. The neighbors of Kanturk Castle were growing a bit worried about the hugeness of this building and to the reasons of its existence. The Privy Council, which was like close counselors to the Queen of England at the time, was informed and ordered the work on the structure to be kept under wraps. So, ‘A man’s home is his castle until the queen arrives’.
So upset the overlord was, it’s believed that he broke the leaded glass and the tiles and tossed them into the river.
Down through time after that the ownership changed hands several times. It is now managed by An Taisce - The National Trust for Ireland, since 14th July 2000.
Why not come and have a look at Kanturk Castle, Cork, Ireland for yourself. As you walk around imagine existing in the 15/1600s with the Mc Donagh MacCarthy’s at Kanturk Castle.
Other references to Kanturk Castle: An Taisce press release, “The story of Kanturk Castle” by Jean J. McCarthy
Filed under: John's Message