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Castleknock Castle, a ruined Norman castle, lies in the grounds of Castleknock College, Castleknock, Dublin, Ireland.
The Fort of Cnucha has a long history and is steeped in legend.
The castle ruins date back to the Tyrrells, who were created Barons of Castleknock. The first Baron, Hugh Tyrrell, chose this site.
What remains of the ruins now is part of a medieval polygonal shaped keep. This is surrounded by trees. The ruins are seldom visible except in winter.
The earliest extant drawing of the castle by Francis Place also shows it in ruins, but somewhat less dilapidated than the present.
The mound may precede the present medieval Norman structure. There is a moat constructed around the castle.
The castle was partially dismantled after the War of the Three Kingdoms when considerable artillery damage had been done to the castle. Castleknock was the final rallying point for the forces of the last High King of Ireland, Rory O'Connor. He failed to drive the Cambro-Normans from the area around Dublin in 1171.
It is now used as a burial ground for Vincentian priests.
There is also a small mound to the west of Castleknock College buildings known as Windmill Hill. There is a water tower there now which was built originally as an observatory by a previous owner, Simon Guinn.
Books
- Dónal MacPolin and Peter Sobolewski, Blanchardstown, Castleknock and the Park, 2001, Cottage Publications ISBN 1-900935-22-8
- James O'Driscoll, Cnucha: A history of Castleknock and district, 1977, privately issued
- Jim Lacey, A Candle in the Window, 1999 Marino Publications ISBN 9-781856355-52-0
References
External links
- History of Castleknock
- Excerpt from book on Castleknock by Jim Lacey
- Fort of Cnucha and its Successors
Coordinates: 53°22′06″N 6°21′58″W / 53.3682°N 6.3660°W
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