Castles in Ireland

Much is revealed in these structures made for aristocrats, as the physical is integrated here with the historical story. We learn about Ireland as a setting for the interplay of differing competing lordships: English and Irish; feudal European and Gaelic; royal and baronial. Also in the studying of relations of neighboring castles and in contrasting the pattern of castle building with that of Europe, T.E. McNeill documents the collapse of the lords early hopes of great wealth in Ireland, the weakness of royal power and the consistent neglect of defensive development against domestic comfort at all times. Through his examination of archaeological evidence, the author concludes that contrary to assumptions made about the establishement of English estates in Ireland in the 13th century, the English and Irish found the land and their mutual occupation a peaceful one.

The extant remains of several thousand Irish castles allow us to reconstruct political, social, and military life in medieval Ireland. The design of each of these castles says much about the builder's power and position. Some are built for display, others for comfort, still others for military security. In this book, the author discusses the development of lordship and power and the interplay of competing lordships: English and Irish, feudal European and Gaelic, royal and baronial. He also describes how English lords adapted to life on their new lands in Ireland and how the Irish reacted to their arrival. B&W photos & illus. 261pp.