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The
Castle of Carrignamuck (Dripsey Castle) stands approximately one mile from the
village on the banks of the River Dripsey.
It is one of a chain of castles extending from Blarney to beyond Macroom,
all formerly the property of the Lords of Muskerry.
Cormac Mac Teige MacCarthy, Lord of Muskerry, built Blarney Castle, one of the
most famous castles in Ireland.
He also built Carrignamuck Castle, among others, during the latter part
of the 15th Century.
It was usual for the Lords to have trusted relatives living in their outlying
castles, who would support the Lord with his own guards when required.
It is known that the Lord of Muskerry lived at that time in Blarney
Castle and that his successor was always posted at Carrignamuck Castle.
Lord Cormac’s brother Eoghan lived for a time at Carrignamuck, until
Cormac was killed during an argument between the two brothers.
Because he had killed his brother, the Lord, Eoghan’s claims on the
title were denied and he was debarred from succession.
On the death of Sir Cormac MacTeige, in 1583, his next brother Callaghan
succeeded as Lord of Muskerry.
He, however, gave up his position at the end of that year in favour of
his nephew, Cormac MacDermod.
Callaghan was allowed to resume his residency at Carrignamuck as his
nephew’s Lieutenant and this situation eventually became permanent and he
founded a branch of the family called the MacCarthy’s of Carrignamuck.
His son Cormac inherited the estate, but forfeited it in 1641.
About 1650, Cromwellian troops, under Lord Broghill, attacked Dripsey Castle and
captured it.
Many years after this it was bought by the Colthurst family and they
built a house in the grounds.
Later, in 1903, it was bought by Andrew O’Shaughnessy, the
industrialist and politician and it has remained in his family ever since,
although it has not been lived in for many years.
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