Tales of Irish Castles

After the Normans invaded in 1169, they introduced the concept of castle building to Ireland. Before long, castles began to spring up throughout the country, in particular along the more populated east coast. This episode explores some of the country's earliest Norman castles in Dublin, Trim, Carrickfergus, Limerick, and Ashford Castle in County Mayo.

In the 13th and 14th centuries, the influence and power of some key Norman knights, in particular William Marshall, helped alter the landscape of Ireland. Featured castles in this episode include Luttrellstown, with exclusive access to the location where David and Victoria Beckham got married; Kilkenny, once the capital of Ireland; the majestic ruins of Dunamase; and the famed Blarney Castle.

As the Irish clans began to fight back against the Anglo-Norman settlers in the 15th and 16th centuries, a new type of castle emerged-the tower house-built for both defense and as a family home. Within a few years, over 3,000 tower houses dotted the landscape, such as the haunted castle in Leap; Dunluce, home to a tragic love story; and Clonony Castle, which may be connected to the Boleyn family.

Castles were at the forefront of the bloodiest century in Irish history, from the confederate and Cromwellian wars of the 1640s through '50s, followed by the Williamite wars in the 1680s and '90s. Some of the most important strongholds during this period were strategic military castles in Limerick, Birr, Kilkenny, and Athlone, as well as Aughrim Castle-scene of the bloodiest battle on Irish soil.

After the introduction of cannon, and following a period of relative peace in Ireland, castles no longer served as military strongholds in the 18th and 19th centuries and instead were adapted into beautiful homes for the lordly and wealthy classes. This episode visits Dublin Castle; the magical Tullynally; Birr Castle, home to what was once the world's largest telescope; and Charleville Castle.

Famine, the Land War, the Easter Rising, the War of Independence, and then the Civil War: the 19th and 20th centuries were a time of great change. Some of Ireland's most prestigious and historical castles were mostly abandoned or destroyed. The final episode details the condition of Irish castles during these periods of unrest and features the stately home of Castle Leslie.