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.