Shrule Castle
| Shrule Castle | |
|
County Mayo | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | M28095262 |
| Location: | 53°31’8"N, 9°5’6"W |
| History | |
| Built c. 1238 | |
| Information | |
| Condition: | Ruinous |
Shrule Castle is a ruined tower castle near Shrule in County Mayo, standing at the border of County Mayo with County Galway, beside the Black River.
The castle was built in around 1238, by the de Burgh family, from whom descend the House of Burke. It was given to John de Burgh in 1308 by his father Richard de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster.
In 1570, Sir Edward Fitton, President of Connaught and Vice Treasurer of Ireland, seized the castle with a strong force led by and consisting of McDonnells of Knocknacloy gallowglasses. Mac Uilliam Ochtair, Lord of Thomond, the de Burghs of Mayo and McDonnells of Mayo led a force to retake the castle, but failed. The chief of the McDonnells of Knocknacloy Calvagh McDonnell was killed on 18 June 1570 and during the battle Edward Fitton was unhorsed and severely wounded in the face.
William Burke occupied the castle, and passed to his son John Burke in 1574 and in 1610, Richard Burke, 4th Earl of Clanricarde leased the castle and lands to Pierce Lynch of Galway.