Craggaunowen Castle

The Story of Craggaunowen Castle

Nestled in the heart of Ireland, Craggaunowen Castle carries with it a rich history that spans centuries.

The MacNamara Legacy:

Craggaunowen Castle

Built around 1550 by John MacSioda MacNamara, a descendant of Sioda MacNamara, the founder of the nearby Knappogue Castle, Craggaunowen was once a stronghold of power and pride. Its sister castle, Knappogue, was built in 1467 and stands just a few miles away, a silent witness to the legacy of the MacNamara family.

However, like many ancient structures, Craggaunowen's grandeur was not meant to last forever. By the 17th century, the castle had fallen into ruins, its roof and staircase removed, leaving it uninhabitable. The battlements, once a mark of its strength, were taken down, rendering the castle defenceless. For years, Craggaunowen remained a forgotten relic of the past, its stone walls silently eroding under the weight of time.

Restoration to Decline

That was until 1821, when the castle was inherited by a man known for his integrity and devotion to Ireland - "Honest" Tom Steele, a trusted ally of the great Daniel O'Connell.

Seeing potential in the crumbling structure, Steele undertook the task of restoring Craggaunowen as a summer house during the 1820s. The castle once again had a purpose, albeit a gentler one than its original design. But after Steele's death in 1848, the land was divided, with Craggaunowen passing to his niece, Maria Studdert.

The castle and its grounds changed hands over the years, eventually coming into the possession of the Irish Land Commission. Much of the surrounding land, considered poor quality, was converted into forestry, and the castle itself was once again allowed to fall into disrepair.

The Revival of Craggaunowen Castle

However, Craggaunowen’s story did not end there. The concept for Craggaunowen was the idea of the late John Hunt, an advisor to Sotheby's on Medieval Art. Hunt was described by The Connoisseur magazine as "one of the best medievalists in Europe." After his excavation of Lough Gur, Co Limerick, Hunt bought the land at Craggaunowen and set about the restoration of the castle. He began the construction of an open-air style museum, which included the reconstructed ‘crannog’ and ‘ring fort’. Generously, he donated the site to the Irish people, ensuring its continued preservation.

In the 1960s, Hunt, a passionate collector of Irish antiquities, restored the castle further, adding a ground-floor extension, which briefly housed part of his impressive collection. These artefacts now reside in the Hunt Museum in Limerick City, but the spirit of Craggaunowen remains alive within its walls.

Craggaunowen Castle

Today, Craggaunowen Castle is not just a structure of the past—it is a living piece of history. Visitors can explore the castle and admire several artefacts from its era, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once called it home.

Open to the public during the summer months, Craggaunowen continues to share its story, inviting all who visit to step back in time and experience the legacy of this remarkable castle.

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Craggaunowen Castle

The MacNamara Legacy:

A Living Piece of History