castlecarra castle

The castle was built some time between 1238 and 1300 by de Staunton, one of the Anglo-Norman barons in the following of Richard de Burgo. The present remains consist of a three-storeyed tower standing in a strongly fortified bawn with one rounded corner turret. Much of the present building would appear to be of 15th century date, but it undoubtedly incorporates older fragments. The family who built it later took on the name of M'Evilly, and they held it until at least 1574.

. Some time after this the castle was surrendered to the crown and it was granted to Captain William Bowen, whose family kept it until the Cromwellian period. After the Restoration in 1660 it was granted to Sir Henry Lynch, in whose family it remained until the last century. The castle is peacefully situated by Lough Carra near the ruins of Moore Hall, home of the author George Moore.