Tales of Irish Castles

Documents the political state of Ireland in the 12th century, leading to the invasion of the Normans in 1169. The Normans introduced the concept of castle building to Ireland and before long castles began to spring up throughout the country, in particular along the more populated east coast.

Documenting the expansion of Norman castle building throughout the 13th and 14th centuries.

Documenting the haunted castle in Leap and the first castle to be besieged by cannon fire in Maynooth, among others.

With the confederate and Cromwellian wars of the 1640s and 1650s followed by the Williamite wars in the 1680s and 1690s, Irish castles played key roles throughout the 17th century and this episode documents some of the most affected and important strongholds during this period like the strategic military castles in Limerick, Birr, Kilkenny, Athlone and finally the ruins of Aughrim Castle - scene of the bloodiest battle on Irish soil.

Featuring the now so modern Dublin Castle, the magical Tullynally, Birr Castle - the home of the largest telescope in the world and finally Charleville Castle that is undergoing continuous re-building with the help of international volunteers.

Wrapping up the series Simon reflects on how we should view these important buildings today not just as part of our heritage also a vital part of history as he explores the state of Ireland and its castles during the 19th and 20th centuries. Followed by the Easter Rising, the War of Independence and then the Civil War in the early decades of the 20th century, some of Ireland's most prestigious and historical castles were mostly abandoned or destroyed.