What is recorded here

Kilbarron Castle fell in 1390 when Donnell, son of Murtough O'Conor of Sligo, demolished the first structure. The ruins visible today belong to a later O'Clery stronghold built after that destruction. What happened between the collapse and the rebirth still escapes memory, leaving a gap where human life should be.

This record refers to a castle which pre-dates the visible remains (DG103-043002-). Its destruction in 1390 is recorded in the Annals of the Four Masters as follows ‘The castle of Cill Barrainne was demolished by Donnell, the son of Murtough O'Conor of Sligo.’ (AFM 1390). Lacy et al (1983, 359) note that ‘Very little is known of the history of Kilbarron Castle and the surviving ruins of this O'Clery stronghold undoubtedly post-date the destruction of the site in 1390 (AFM).’ Date of upload: 22 September 2008

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.