Explore Mcdermott’s Castle Complete Guide and History
Explore Mcdermott’s Castle Complete Guide and History
Majestic, historic, lakeside- these three words are enough to explain McDermott’s castle. Visiting the Castle is like stepping into a living tale of ancient Ireland.
As you explore the ancient ruins of the castle, the gentle caress of the soft, cold breeze from the lake envelops you, creating a sense of tranquility and connection with the natural world. While enjoying the beauty of the old ruined castle, the soft cold breeze of Lough Key Lake will soothe your mind too! The soft, cold breeze that sweeps across the lake adds to the atmosphere of serenity and allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Surrounded by the calm waters of the lake, the castle exudes an air of mystery and intrigue, as if guarding secrets from centuries past. The isolation of its island perch only adds to the castle’s mystique, evoking visions of bygone eras and ancient tales. This ancient castle is resting proudly on a small island in the tranquil waters of Lough Key, County Roscommon, Ireland.
Lough Key in County Roscommon hosts more than thirty wooded islands. Lough Key in County Roscommon is indeed a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical intrigue. This is a place where you can have a sense of adventure by exploring the castle ruins. Exploring these islands offers visitors a sense of adventure as they discover hidden coves, ancient ruins, and stunning viewpoints.
Lough Key’s rich history and natural beauty offer a wealth of secrets waiting to be uncovered. Let’s take a closer look at this captivating landmark and unravel the secrets it holds.
Visit McDermott’s Castle The castle of a former king of the region: Cormac MacDermott
There are still many mysteries surrounding this castle. While its exact origins may remain shrouded in mystery, it is believed to have been constructed around the 12th century, during a time of great upheaval and change in Ireland. Its installation on an island in Lough Key ensured its occupants peace, security, and a 360-degree view of the surrounding area: an ideal location for keeping an eye on their Kingdom!
Now in a state of ruin, the site is still the object of great fascination for tourists and historians alike. Its weathered walls and crumbling structures tell a story of times long past, evoking a sense of wonder and intrigue. The castle is still clearly recognizable, with its fortified enclosures, high tower, and crenelated defensive walls!
Note that a large part of the island is completely overgrown with ivy and difficult to access in places. These remnants of Ireland’s past offer glimpses into the lives of those who once inhabited these remote corners of the lake, their stories waiting to be discovered by intrepid explorers. The nearby islands are home to ruined churches, towers, and priories, and it is also thought that many unmarked or lost graves are scattered around.
A Journey Through Time | History
The McDermott’s castle is too old to imagine! It was first mentioned in history around 1184. At that time, Ireland was divided into many kingdoms.
The castle was built by the McDermott clan, the ruling family of the area at the time. This famous clan ruled for over five long centuries! As the space is limited on this island (only 0.57 acres), the clan has another residence on the mainland near Moylurg Tower. left their mark on the landscape of County Roscommon, and their castle on the island of Lough Key stands as a testament to their power and influence. Sadly, during WW2, the castle was burned down by a lightning strike. However, due to the limited space on the island, the clan also maintained another residence near Moylurg Tower on the mainland, ensuring they had ample space to accommodate their needs and activities.
Its walls witnessed countless skirmishes and sieges as opposing forces sought to assert their dominance over the landscape. This castle was mainly used as a fort for the battles between rival clans and invasions by the English. Though having a strategic location, McDermott’s castle couldn’t keep itself safe from getting ruined. Additionally, it faced invasions by English forces seeking to expand their influence in Ireland.
Around the 17th century, this land became the property of England in the period of Cromwell. This marked a significant shift in control from local Irish clans to the English crown. In the 18th century, the place was used to amuse and entertain the royal family. Its scenic beauty and romantic ruins made it a favored destination for outings and picnics, offering a stark departure from its earlier role as a fortress of war. Later on, in the 19th century, a Welsh architect named John Nash acquired this castle Island. Finally, in the 20th century, it became the ownership of Ireland.
Visitor Experience | When to Visit Mcdermott’s Castle
This Castle Island mostly remains empty and abandoned. Both inside and outside are overgrown with ivy. But still, after reaching the island, you will marvel at its ancient stones and imagine the lives of those who once called it home. It’s a place where time seems to stand still, allowing for moments of quiet reflection and contemplation.
The surprising thing is that McDermott’s Castle and Lough Key welcome visitors year-round. Popular tourist destinations like Lough Key and McDermott’s Castle can indeed attract crowds, especially during peak times such as holidays and the summer months. Also, this place gets too crowded. So it’s better to visit Lough Key and McDermoot’s Castle at their peak! However, it’s important to keep in mind that popular tourist destinations like Lough Key can indeed get crowded during peak times, especially during holidays and the summer months.
Explore Further Sights
Beside McDermoot’s Castle, there is a beautiful park named “Lough Key Forest” which is worth exploring! This gorgeous and picturesque parkland is about 800 hectares long.
It is located approximately 40 km north of the town of Roscommon and 3 km east of the town of Bone. People called the area one of the most beautiful parks in Ireland. The observation tower, wishing chair, underground tunnels, Trinity Bridge, Bog garden each of these are must-try places in Lough Key Forest Park. Visitors to the park can enjoy a wide range of activities and experiences, from leisurely walks and scenic picnics to thrilling adventures and historical discoveries.
Legends and Lore
Along with the history of McDermott’s castle, there is also a tragic story to tell. The legend of Úna Bhán!
Úna was the beautiful daughter of McDermott. She fell in love with Tomás Láidir, a nobleman from a rival clan. Their love story is often portrayed as a forbidden romance, as their families are locked in a feud or rivalry that spans generations. Their clandestine meetings and stolen moments together serve as a testament to the strength of their bond, defying the societal norms and expectations that seek to keep them apart.
As their love blossoms in the shadows, Úna and Tomás navigate the treacherous waters of their forbidden romance, facing obstacles and challenges at every turn. Yet, their unwavering devotion to each other fuels their determination to overcome adversity and defy the odds.
Úna’s father believed the boy wasn’t good enough for her daughter. For the father’s disapproval, the couple had to keep the relationship secret.
Láidir used to swim across Lough Key to reach the castle. It was during one of these crossings that tragedy struck, and the boy drowned. The drowning of Tomás Láidir serves as a somber reminder of the dangers inherent in their forbidden romance, as well as the consequences of the feud between their families. Tomás’s untimely death casts a shadow over their love story, extinguishing the flame of their budding romance and leaving Úna heartbroken and bereft. It’s a moment of profound sadness in the tale, highlighting the fragility of life and the tragic consequences of hatred and conflict.
Unfortunately, Una also died from the grief of her partner. Some say their spirits still roam the castle ruins, bound by love and tragedy for eternity.
Bonus Information
- This island and fortress were showcased in Emmy award-winning television sitcom series, “Moone Boy”.
- W.B. Yeats’s visit to the island in 1890 and his desire to purchase the castle to establish an art center there add another layer of intrigue to its history. While his wish may not have come true, his admiration for the castle and its surroundings speaks to the beauty and significance of the site
- Boating and kayaking on Lough Key, with access to Castle Island, offer visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the area firsthand. Whether it’s a leisurely paddle around the lake or an adventurous exploration of the islands, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on Lough Key at any time of the year.
- After taking in the stunning sight that is McDermott’s Castle Island, visitors can explore some of the other islands, including Trinity Island, where it is said Una Bhàn is buried.
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