The History of Cloghan Castle

Cloghan Castle was built in 1239 as an outpost fortification, chosen for its favourable location and the strategic advantage offered by the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding five counties and the Slieve Aughty Mountains stood atop the battlements.

The castle was occupied until the 15th century, with the last occupant being Hugh de Burgo, son of Walter de Burgo, Earl of Ulster, one of the most influential and ancient Irish families.

Over the course of the following five centuries, the castle fell into a state of dereliction, until it was acquired by the Burke family in 1973. Michael Burke had always expressed an interest in history and, upon seeing the ruined castle on a neighbour’s land, took interest in the idea of restoring it.

"The aim was to recreate what it was like to live in a Medieval castle, but without having to suffer the deprivation of 13th-century living."
- Michael Burke

A meticulous and historically accurate restoration began on the Norman tower, all that remained initially, in 1974 and was completed in 1979. In 1996 the Burkes began further restoration on the castle, adding to the original tower-house.

"While it was a huge undertaking we never felt we had taken on too much, we really enjoyed the work and feel that when we die we will have left something for future generations! It’s a landmark that would otherwise be just a heap of stones today."
- Michael Burke

Local craftsmen were used throughout the restoration, and the utmost effort to use locally-sourced materials was made, where possible. It was a large undertaking for the family, but they really enjoyed the process and the finished product that came from it all.

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