Doonagore Castle

The existence of an earlier castle preceding Doonagore Castle adds another layer to its already rich history. Before Doonagore Castle existed. there was already a first castle, built in the 13th century. While historical records primarily attribute the current structure, Doonagore Castle, to the 16th century, the knowledge of its earlier counterpart provides valuable insights into the evolution of architectural styles and defensive strategies over the centuries.

The present castle dates back only to the 16th century and was commissioned by Turlough O’Brien of Ennistymon in 1582, historians typically prioritize documented evidence to construct a more accurate and reliable narrative of its history. who wished to have a castle on the Irish coast, to better monitor the comings and goings of ships on the Atlantic. While exploring local legends and folklore is always fascinating, historians generally rely on documented evidence to reconstruct the history of sites like Doonagore Castle.

The Armada was indeed a formidable fleet sent by King Philip II of Spain in 1588 to invade England and overthrow Queen Elizabeth I. However, despite its size and strength, the Spanish Armada faced numerous challenges that ultimately led to its failure.

English ships were smaller and more maneuverable, allowing them to engage the larger Spanish vessels in hit-and-run attacks, inflicting damage while minimizing their losses. The Spanish Armada’s attempted invasion of England in 1588 ended in failure, and many of its ships were scattered or wrecked along the coasts of Ireland and elsewhere. In 1588, Spain attempted to invade England… in vain… While Spain was in full retreat, a Spanish ship from the Invisible Armada was wrecked on the Irish coast, not far from the castle. It’s entirely plausible that one of these ships could have been wrecked near Doonagore Castle or in the vicinity of County Clare. Such events would have left their mark on local history and folklore, adding to the rich tapestry of stories associated with places like Doonagore Castle.

The historical events surrounding the Spanish Armada and its impact on Ireland are indeed complex and often shrouded in legend and folklore. While it’s true that some survivors of the Armada were taken prisoner by local authorities in Ireland, More than 170 survivors were then taken prisoner by the High Sheriff of County Clare, Boetius MacClancy, who ordered them hanged at Doonagore Castle… Their bodies were then buried. However, without concrete archaeological evidence or reliable historical documentation, it’s challenging to confirm such claims definitively.

Restoration efforts indeed have been instrumental in preserving historical landmarks like Doonagore Castle. Restoration efforts, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, have played a crucial role in preserving historical landmarks like Doonagore Castle. Throughout history, Doonagore Castle was restored in the early 19th century and 1970, by architect Rex MacGovern, for a private American buyer, Mr. O’Gorman, who acquired the castle… The O’Gorman family still owns the castle today, The O’Gorman family continues to own and utilize the castle as a holiday home, and as a private residence, and use it as a holiday home… (It is therefore not open to the public).