Castle Carra

Castle Carra is a remarkable example of a late medieval square tower house located in a field north of the coastal village of Cushendun, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This castle, dating back to the early 14th century, stands on a site of significant historical importance, built over a Mesolithic flint working site. Its strategic position near the coast and the harbor of Cushendun, known as Murlough Bay, highlights its role in regional power struggles and defense during the medieval period.

Architectural features and construction

Castle Carra is characterized by its square tower house design, typical of the period, with a surrounding bawn—a defensive walled courtyard. The castle's dimensions resemble those of a tower house, but it also exhibits characteristics of a hall house, suggesting a blend of residential and defensive functions. The bawn was later fortified with a circular flanker equipped with gunloops facing inland, an enhancement attributed to Captain William Bowen in the late 16th century. This feature reflects the adaptation of the castle's defenses to the evolving military technology of the time, particularly the use of firearms.

Historical context and notable events

Ownership and conflicts in the 16th century

The castle has a rich history intertwined with prominent Irish figures and turbulent events. In 1565, it was owned by Shane O'Neill, a powerful self-proclaimed Earl of Ulster. During this time, Sorley Boy McDonnell, a notable Irish chieftain, was imprisoned within Castle Carra. The complex relationship between the O'Neills and the McDonnells culminated in a dramatic event in 1567. After being defeated by Shane O'Neill, the McDonnells hosted him at Castle Carra for two days of hunting and feasting. On the third day, amid a quarrel, they assassinated O'Neill to avenge their earlier defeat. His head was severed and sent to the representatives of Queen Elizabeth I in Dublin, symbolizing the intense political and clan rivalries of the era.

Siege and defense

In 1585, the castle was besieged by English forces during a period of increasing English intervention in Ireland. Donnell Gorm McDonnell was trapped inside the tower, but his father, Sorley Boy McDonnell, then aged eighty, heroically landed from Scotland and successfully drove off the besiegers. This event underscores the castle's strategic military importance and the resilience of its defenders during the turbulent Elizabethan conquest of Ireland.

Later ownership and usage

By around 1730, Castle Carra was occupied by the Lynch family, a notable Anglo-Irish lineage. The castle's lands had passed through various hands, including surrender to the Crown in the 1570s and a grant to Captain William Bowen. The Lynch family, including Sir Roebuck Lynch and later Sir Henry Lynch, 3rd Baronet, held the castle and its surrounding lands into the 19th century. The Cromwellian confiscations of the early 17th century also impacted ownership, with compensation lands granted at Castle Carra.

Cultural significance and current state

At the end of the medieval period, the ruins of Castle Carra were repurposed as a children's cemetery, adding a layer of cultural and social history to the site. Today, the castle stands in a state of ruins, overgrown with ivy and surrounded by private farmland. The field is used for grazing horses and llamas, which act as informal guardians of the site, limiting public access. Despite its ruined condition, Castle Carra remains an evocative monument to the complex history of Northern Ireland's medieval past.

Archaeological importance

The castle's foundation on a Mesolithic flint working site highlights the long-term human significance of the location, extending far beyond the medieval period. This archaeological context enriches the understanding of the site, revealing layers of human activity from prehistoric times through the medieval era.

Visiting information and accessibility

Castle Carra is situated approximately 2.5 kilometers west of Carnacon, on the east bank of Lough Carra. The castle lies on private property, and access is generally restricted. Visitors should be aware of the presence of grazing animals, including llamas, which are protective of the area. Due to its condition and location, the site is best appreciated from a distance or with permission from the landowners.