kilmallock kings castle and blossom gate

King's Castle and Blossom Gate Kilmallock owed it's prosperity to the Desmond family, who were the most powerful in Munster. They were supporters of King Edward III, and three cousins of the family were called: the White Knight, the Black Knight and the Green Knight. This was in recognition of their valour. A charter was also given to the town. Blossom Gate is the only remaining gateway of the four gates which defended the town.

King's Castle, is a fifteenth century castle which is named after King John. The castle was used by the Irish under Lord Castlehaven, in 1645, when it was captured it was used as a hospital in 1651 for the injured Parliamentarians. But Kilamallock's military importance was destroyed by the sacking it endured under Cromwell.