Tyrrellspass Castle

Tyrrellspass Castle

Tyrrellspass Castle^[1] is a medieval castle in Tyrrellspass, County Westmeath, Ireland. Dating back to circa 1411, it is the only remaining castle of the Tyrrells who came to Ireland around the time of the Norman Invasion.

Architecture

The castle is approximately 20 metres high and follows the general pattern of tower houses: stone-built, essentially defensive and comprising a series of superimposed chambers. The original spiral staircase and one of the original roof beams dating from 1280 can still be seen today as an exposed beam in 'the lounge' restaurant. Alongside the entrance door is a murder-hole through which intruders could be attacked.^[2]

History

Tyrrellspass is the modern name for Fartullagh,^{[citation needed]} where in 1597 Captain Richard Tyrrell, a chief ally of Hugh O'Neill in the Nine Years' War, won a major victory against English crown forces in what has become known as the Battle of Tyrrellspass.^[3]

During the Cromwellian invasion of 1650, it is said the castle occupants suffered a great deal and many were executed. The castle and surrounding land was acquired soon after by the Rochfort family, who became the Earls of Belvedere. In 1796 the 2nd earl leased the castle to the army as a barracks.^[4] In 1850, ownership passed to Charles Brinsley Marlay, grandson of the 1st earl's only daughter, after whom it passed to Lieut.-Colonel Charles Howard-Bury, the explorer. He sold off the houses on the estate.^{[citation needed]}

After a tumultuous history of intrusion, the castle was extensively restored by Phillip Ginnell^[who?] in the 1970s.^{[citation needed]}

Today

During the early 1990s, the building was converted into a modern restaurant. Today it operates under the name Tyrrellspass Castle Restaurant.^[5] It also hosts medieval banquets.

References

1. http://www.tyrrellspasscastle.com/history.html Tyrrellspass_Castle_Restaurant_&_Museum
2. "Tyrellspass castle-Ermak Travel". Retrieved 12 December 2012.
3. ó Báille, M. (1951). "Brough's Campaign and the Ambush at Tyrellspass:A correction". Studies: An Irish Quarterly Review. 40 (158). JSTOR: 223–229. JSTOR 30100392.
4. "Tyrrellpass - Village Design Statement" (PDF). Retrieved 12 December 2012.
5. Tyrrellspass Castle Restaurant, Westmeath, Ireland - Cafe & Restaurants, Steakhouse, Bistro, Entertainment

External links

• Tyrrellspass Castle - official site
• Westmeath Tourism
• VirtualTourist.com/travel/Europe/Ireland/County_Westmeath/Tyrrellspass/Things_To_Do

53.386°N 7.381°W / 53.386; -7.381