Art Journal of Ireland, Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle

The castle originally dates from before AD 1200, when a wooden structure was built on the site. Around 1210 A.D. this was replaced by a stone fortification It was destroyed in 1446, but subsequently rebuilt by Cormac MacCarthy - then King of Munster.
The castle was besieged during the Irish Confederate Wars and was seized in 1646 by Parliamentarian forces under Lord Broghill. However after the Restoration the castle was restored to Donough MacCarty, who was made 1st Earl of Clancarty.
During the Williamite War in Ireland in the 1690s, the then 4th Earl of Clancarty (also named Donough MacCarty) was captured and his lands (including Blarney Castle) were confiscated by the Williamites.
The castle was sold and changed hands a number of times before being purchased by Sir James St. John Jefferyes.]Members of the Jefferyes family would later build a mansion near the keep. This house was destroyed by fire however, and in 1874 a replacement baronial mansion - known as Blarney House - was bu The castle is now a partial ruin with some accessible rooms and battlements. At the top of the castle lies the Stone of Eloquence, better known as the Blarney Stone. Tourists visiting Blarney Castle may hang upside-down over a sheer drop to kiss the stone, which is said to give the gift of eloquence. There are many legends as to the origin of the stone, but some say that it was the Lia Fáil—a magical stone upon which Irish kings were crowned.
Surrounding the castle are extensive gardens. There are paths touring the grounds with signs pointing out the various attractions such as several natural rock formations which have been given fanciful names, such as Druid's Circle, Witch's Cave and the Wishing Steps. Blarney House, also open to the public, is a Scottish baronial-style mansion that was built on the grounds in 1874, overlooking the nearby lake.

Art Journal of Ireland, Barryscourt Castle

Barryscourt Castle, Carrigtwohill, Co.Cork


De Barra or the Great Barry was the senior branch of the Barry family and their main seat was Barryscourt Castle, situated just outside Carrigtwohill. One of the principal Norman families in Ireland, the imposing structure and commanding position of Barryscourt Castle highlights this families position of dominance.

Barryscourt Garden is a newly developed replica of a medieval garden, set out in exactly the same manner as Tower House Gardens would have been designed and maintained in their hey day.

The castle is built over three levels the castle incorporates a store on the ground floor, which houses an exhibition entitled “the Arts in Ireland from the Invasion to the Plantation 1100-1600. The upper levels contain the Main Hall and the Great Hall in both of which are now displayed reproduction furniture and utensils. Visitors can see what life was like for David Barry, Ellen Roche and their family when they inhabited the Castle, their sleeping and dining areas, their own private chapel within the building and the various garderobes.
Defensive features such as a murder hole, crenulations, and stumble steps can also be seen. The grounds of the Castle have been restored and feature an orchard stocked with native fruit trees and a 16th century herb garden surrounded by a wall with corner towers.