Moylough
The
fortress is supposed to have been built by either the Cotterels or the
Cogeshales before 1240. They are supposed to have held their
lands from the Berminghams of Athenry.
Later it was held by the O'Kellys of Hymany, who held several other
castles in this district - Mullaghmore, Garbally and
Castleblakney. It is claimed that O'Loughlin O'Kelly was the last
owner of the castle, while his brother, Tadhg, lived in nearby
Mullaghmore castle. On 29 June 1646, Tadhg and his forces are
said to have defeated and killed O'Loughlin and presumably sacked the
castle.
Description
A rectangular keep, some 50' by 30', stands on a low motte on a ridge
end. Only 3 of its walls now remain, but these, containing 3
floors, stand about 50' high and 6' thick. There are Romanesque
openings at the first floor and 7 narrow loops in the basement although
these are now much ruined. Entrance was apparently gained from a
first floor doorway at the northern end of the south-west wall. A
steep spiral stair connected the upper storeys, but the basement must
have been reached via wooden steps. The first floor hall was well
lit, while the upper floor loops are purely defensive. South-west
from the keep, along the ridge, is a ditch whose spoil may have helped
create the diminutive motte.
Perhaps you would like to join me in
visiting this and other great castles of Ireland in
October with Scholarly Sojourns. Details of the trip can be
found by clicking
here.
Copyright©2022
Paul Martin Remfry