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“A man’s home is his castle…” so the adage says. Sadly in this case, it looks like Kanturk Castle never became a home. Nevertheless, what did get constructed was and is awesome. The main structure is made up of four story, while each tower stands up to 5 story.

Now as you ramble around this beautiful historical building, it’s hard to think that it was raised in about 1601. Twenty scores have passed away and it is still standing strong. ‘Bualadh bos’ to the stonemasons. (Bualadh bos is Irish/Gaelic for applause or praise) Legend tells that sEven stone masons all named John constructed the Castle. Thus at one time the fortress was called as “Carrig-na-Shane-Saor” i.e. The Rock of John the Mason.

There are various beliefs on whom specifically the castle was made for. Some say it was McDonogh McCarthy, while others believe it was Dermot McOwen. Even the dating of the monument cannot be agreed upon. Generally it is known to be late 16th century early 17th century.

Why was it that he never lived in it? Well, there is some more to that adage: ‘A man’s home is his castle …, yet that is, ‘until the Queen arrives’. The neighbors of Kanturk Castle were getting a bit concerned about the stature of this structure and to the cause of its existence. The Privy Council, which was like close consultants to the Queen of England at the time, was informed and ordered the work on the building to stop. So, ‘A man’s home is his castle until the queen arrives’.

So disappointed the overlord was, it’s believed that he broke the leaded glass and the tiles and threw them into the river.

Down through time after that the possession changed hands numerous times. It is now managed by An Taisce – The National Trust for Ireland, since July 14th 2000.

Why not come and see Kanturk Castle for yourself. As you walk around think of existing in the 15/1600s with the Mac Donagh McCarthy’s at Kanturk Castle.

Other references to Kanturk Castle: “The story of Kanturk Castle” by Jean J. McCarthy, An Taisce press release