Knappogue castle in Clare

Knappogue castle was built in 1467 Sean MacNamara and is the perfect example of a medieval tower house. The castle has had a plentiful history coming from being a battlefield and also a dwelling place for numerous families. In 1571 it became the seat of the McNamara clan. Donagh McNamara was the leader of the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and remained in the McNamara clan until the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland in 1649-1653, when it was confiscated by Oliver Cromwell’s parliament and given to a ‘roundhead’ Arthur Smith.

In 1660 the monarch was restored and Knappogue castle was returned to the McNamara’s who then proceeded to sell it to Scotland in 1800. In 1855 Lord Dunboyne continued to restore with the history of the castle imaginatively related on the colorful panels in each room.

Once again Knappogue fell into disrepair in the 1920’s when it came into the hands of a local farmer, only to be purchased by a prominent Texan architect, Mark Edwin Andrews, who, with the help of the Shannon Development, returned the castle to its former 15th century glory.

However the Andrews were the last occupants of the castle and in 1996 the Shannon Development, with hopes to preserve the building for future generations, bought it.

The walled garden is dated from 1817 and is 1.248 acres in size and has been beautifully restored to its former grandeur. The tall walls of the garden are laced with climbing roses, grapevines and various types of clematis. The centerpiece for the garden is a large stone statue of Bacchus the God of wine, which compliments the epicurean philosophy and lifestyle of the medieval structure. The main features also include the pergola, a traditional bandstand, and a rockery with fernery shrubberies and pathways lined with herbaceous borders. The gardens also supply fresh herbs, which are used in the preparation for the traditional medieval banquet.

The castle is a magnificent specimen of ancient history in Ireland to date and promises an interesting and precious visit. The gardens will delight guest as they are tranquil and an especially peaceful place to either picnic or simply to relax. Knappogue Castle will keep guests of all ages.