"A man's home is his castle..." so the saying says. Sadly in this case, it looks like Kanturk Castle, County Cork, Ireland never became a residence. Regardless of it, what did get constructed was and is impressive. The main structure is made up of 4 story, while each tower reaches five story.

Today as you walk around this fine historical building, it's difficult to imagine that it was raised in about 1601. Twenty scores have passed away and it is still standing strong. 'Bualadh bos' to the stonemasons. (Bualadh bos is Irish/Gaelic for applause or praise) Legend says that sven stonemasons all named John erected the Castle. So there was a time when the building was called as "Carrig-na-Shane-Saor" i.e. The Rock of John the Mason.

There are various points of view on whom just the castle was made for. Some say it was MacDonogh MacCarthy, while others say it was Dermot MacOwen. Still the dating of the castle cannot be agreed upon. normally it is said to be late 16th century early 17th century.

Why was it that he never lived in it? Well, there is a bit more to that proverb: 'A man's home is his castle ..., yet that is, 'until the Queen arrives'. The inhabitants near Kanturk Castle were growing a bit bothered about the hugeness of this edifice and to the intentions of its existence. The Privy Council, which was like close consultants to the Queen of England back then, was told about this and commanded the work on the building to be kept under wraps. So, 'A man's home is his castle until the queen arrives'.

So disappointed the overlord was, it's believed that he smashed up the leaded glass and the tiles and flung them into the river.

Over time after that the property changed ownership a number of times. Now it is taken care of by An Taisce - The National Trust for Ireland, since July 14th 2000.

Why not come and see Kanturk Castle, County Cork, Ireland for yourself. As you stroll around imagine living in the 15/1600s with the Mac Donagh MacCarthy's at Kanturk Castle.

Other references to Kanturk Castle: "The story of Kanturk Castle" by Jean J. MacCarthy, An Taisce press release