This castle was built in the mid-16th century by John MacSheeda MacNamara. It is an example of a fortified dwelling known as a Tower House. The Tower Houses were commonly occupied by chieftains of Irish families for over three centuries until the collapse of the Old Gaelic Order following the wars of the 17th century. Following the Cromwellian campaigns in 1653, Craggaunowen Castle was not handed over to a Cromwell supporter but it was rendered indefensible by the removal of the battlements and left in ruins.
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