History
Dating back to the 15th century [1, 2] and located in County Louth, near Gibstown [2], Dunmahon Castle witnessed the turbulent events of the Irish history and was the sad theatre of fierce and bloody battles.
The four storey tower house was erected for defensive reasons, as it is demonstrated by its large stoney walls and the position, which ensures a wide view over the sorrounding areas [1].
The castle was a stronghold of the Plunket family and stayed inhabited until the Cromwellian invasion of Ireland [3]. Most likely, in the 1640s Cromwell’s troops were responsible of a massacre in which at least 250 people defending the castle lost their lives [2, 3]. However, accounts about what happened vary [3] and there is a possibility that someone else was responsible for the atrocities [4].
Visitors should be aware that reaching the roof is extremely dangerous and absolutely not recommended.
References
- [1] Castlepedia, Dunmahon Castle
- [2] Secret Ireland, Dunmahon Castle Where The Ghosts Still Haunt The Shadows
- [3] Archaic Wonder, Dunmahon Castle, County Louth, Ireland
- [4] JSTOR, The Sack of Dunmahon Castle