Taaffes Castle

Taaffes Castle Taaffe’s Castle is situated in the beautiful medieval town of Carlingford. It was built at the start of the 16th century as a fortified townhouse.

It was built at the start of the 16th century as a fortified townhouse and a trading depot for the Taaffe family. The Taaffe’s later became the ‘Earls of Carlingford’ in 1661. Carlingford’s strategic position on the east coast of Ireland along with Carrickfergus and Dundalk, made it a vital trading port. This trade led to Carlingford’s relative prosperity between the 14th and early 16th centuries.

It even received five Royal charters for trading — the first in 1326 by King Edward II and the last in 1619 under King James I. The increased trade encouraged the rich mercantile class to build such buildings as ‘The Mint’ as well as ‘Taafee’s Castle’. The following centuries were however not as prosperous for the town after the Cromwellian Conquest of 1649 and the Williamite Wars of the 1690s. By 1744 Carlingford was described as ‘in a state of ruin’ and the following century saw the disappearance of the prosperous herring shoals in the lough. This charming town has recently ‘bounced back’ as a top tourist destination due to it’s spectacular setting, wonderful pubs and medieval architecture.

31/03/2015

The founding father of Taaffes Castle was Taaffe, Sir Theobald, Viscount Taaffe, and Earl of Carlingford, was grandson of preceding, and eldest son of Sir John, who was created Baron of Ballymote and Viscount Taaffe in August 1628, and who died before 1642. Sir Theobald fought for Charles I. against the Parliament in England, and subsequently assisted the Marquis of Ormond in his negotiations with the Confederates for a cessation of arms. On the recommencement of hostilities, he took the command of a force of 9,000 Irish in Munster, but did not attempt to prevent Lord Inchiquin from taking Cahir Castle on the 3rd September 1647. He is reported, however, to have afterwards shot the governor and 100 of his men for their pusillanimous defence.

Address

Newry Street
Carlingford

Telephone

+353429373770

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Taaffes Castle posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category