Tales of Irish Castles

In the 12th century the political situation made Ireland ripe for Norman conquest and the beginning of castlebuilding in Dublin and beyond As Strongbow made his way to Irish ground King Henry grew concerned about a breach of power

In the 13th and 14th centuries the influence and power of some key Norman knights particularly William Marshall helped alter the landscape of Ireland Featured castles in this episode include Luttrellstown with exclusive access to a location in Kilkenny

As the Irish clans began to fight back against the AngloNorman settlers in the 15th and 16th centuries a new type of castle emerged the tower house built for both defense and as a family home Within a few years over 3000 tower houses dotted the landscape such as the haunted castle in Leap Dunluce home to a tragic love story and Clonony Castle which may be connected to the Boleyn family

Castles were at the forefront of the bloodiest century in Irish history from the confederate and Cromwellian wars of the 1640s through the 50s followed by the Williamite wars in the 1680s and 90s In the 17th century strategically important castles at Limerick Birr and elsewhere played critical roles in a hundred years of bloody wars

After the introduction of the cannon and following a period of relative peace in Ireland castles no longer served as military strongholds in the 18th and 19th centuries and instead were adapted into beautiful homes for the lordly and wealthy classes This episode visits Dublin Castle the magical Tullynally and Birr Castle home to what was once the worlds largest telescope

As political and social unrest swept Ireland in the 20th century debtridden castles fell into disrepair and into the hands of the nouveau riche Years later the castles became a place that many celebrities would visit