This castle, an old Tudor mansion, in ruins stands proudly on the top of a motte which, in turn, is on the top of Carbury Hill, also known as Fairy Hill. The motte was probably built by Meilyr FitzHenry, a Cambro-Norman nobleman who died in 1220, who was granted the area by Strongbow. The building was later acquired by the de Berminghams in the 14th century, but one century later it was taken by the native Irish. In 1588, it was granted to the Colley family, ancestors of the Dukes of Wellington, who built a new large stronghouse in the 17th century. This new big mansion of the family is visible at 1.8 km southeast from the motte.
The castle is completely destroyed and ruined, but inside some details can still be visible, like the vaulted ceilings of the lower level rooms. The original building may have had a rectangular shape, but in the 17th century a new wing was added on the east side. The east section is characterized by four long chimney stacks shaped like an 8-point star.
The castle and its motte are 100 metres north of the old churches.
|