Further details: Ballyhannon Castle, also known as Castlefergus, is a magnificent 15th century Irish castle, completely intact and furnished with antiques to maintain its olde-world charm and, oh yes, cobwebs!
Without exception, upon entering the Medieval entrance arch of Ballyhannon, visitors describe their first impressions as: ?the impact of this rare and authentic castle?s historic appeal and significance is literally instant - as if having just stepped from a time machine you will be overwhelmed by an
immediate sense of having been transported back in time through turbulent centuries of history. Six-feet thick battle-impenetrable walls, winding spiral stone staircase, oak-beamed ceilings and flagstone floors will offer you this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience how they lived back in 1420 when Ballyhannon Castle was built.?
At this Irish self catering castle, all modern conveniences have been sensitively and discreetly incorporated into this 600 year old castle for those of you who don?t wish to compromise on all of your comforts! That said, it must be emphasised that this is a 15 th century castle in every other sense.
If you can drag yourself away from the privacy and serenity of this garrisoned Irish castle, full of history, it is an ideal focal point from which to explore the wild natural beauty of the west of Ireland. Located between Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and the Aillwee Caves, Ballyhannon Castle is at the heart of traditional (not commercial!) Ireland. The privacy of this castle accommodation especially offers peace and tranquility to those simply seeking ?time out?, yet its prime location in Quin, Co. Clare means that it is adjacent to all attractions. It would also be a honeymoon with a difference!
History of Ballyhannon Castle (also known as Castlefergus)
Located in the region of Ireland once ruled by the O?Briens as ?Kings?, Ballyhannon Castle was built in c. 1420 by the Ruling Lord, the MacNamaras, who oversaw smaller clans such as the Hannons, in gratitude for services and loyalty rendered during the 1400s by the Hannons. In return, the Hannon clan had a responsibility to respond when the King and the Ruling Lord called for their help. For the next two centuries multiple generations of the Hannon clan found safety and security in the Castle, but by the mid-1600s things began to change. Those who financed his parliamentarian army demanded Irish castles and lands as repayment, so Cromwell dispossessed the Hannon clan of their lands and Castle to pay those investors (who were then known as ?adventurers?). Those lands and castles would then be sold to English settlers, thereby recouping the initial investment plus a profit.
