O'Dea Castle

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O'Dea Castle near Corofin, Co. Clare, Ireland

Sign at approach to castle

Built in 1480, Dysert O'Dea Castle is at the former O'Dea clan stronghold at Dysert O'Dea near Corofin, County Clare, Ireland. The Bishop of Kildare, Daniel O'Neylan (1530-1603) acquired the lands surrounding the castle in 1594. His grandson, Daniel (1614-39) and his wife Máire "Rua" ní Mahon (c.1615-86), a daughter of Sir Turlough MacMahon, Lord of East Corcabaskin, occupied the castle during their lifetimes. In 1670 their son, William O'Neylan (1635-78), tried to regain the castle by force following its confiscation by the British via the Act of Settlement. He was arrested, tried and convicted but petitioned his kinsman the 3rd Earl of Inchiquin, then Vice-President of Munster, who was interested in the property because the Inchiquin line of the powerful O'Brien family also claimed a right to it. Inchiquin found in William’s favour and a 1676 deed and William’s 1678 will describe him as “William Nelane of Disart” and “Captain William Neylon of Disert” respectively. His son, Francis Patrick O'Neylan (also written O'Neillan) who was born in the castle in 1671, became a Major General in the Imperial Service of Austria and was created a Baron of the Holy Roman Empire by the Emperor Joseph I. He died in 1751 while Commander of the Citadel of Mantua, Italy. A black marble plaque commemorating his life and that of his wife, Barbara, Countess von Browne of Camus (a sister of Maximilian Ulysses Reichsgraf von Browne) and his sons Counts Eugene and Francis O'Neillan is located in the castle's chapel.

The Battle of Dysert O'Dea, which drove the Anglo-Normans from the region for over 200 years, took place at this site on May 10, 1318.

Site description from Irish Tourist Board:

"Dysert O'Dea Castle and Archaeological Centre in Corofin is known for its wealth of historical and archaeological remains. Built in 1480 the castle is now an archaeological centre with more than twenty five archaeological and historical sites. Notable aspects are the 15th century Dysert O'Dea Castle itself, two stone forts used during battles between local noblemen in the 16th century and the Saint Tola's High Cross, which dates from the 12th century. There is also an example of a fulacht fiadh, or ancient cooking site. An archaeological trail has been developed to highlight 25 of the field monuments within a 6km radius of the Castle, the most famous of which include a [Romanesque Doorway] and [High Cross]."

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O'Dea Castle

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