Dating from the late 1190s, this castle became the chief stronghold of the O’Sullivan Mór clan. Then, nearly 450 years after it was built, the family destroyed the castle rather than risk its capture by Cromwell.
The site is located near the town of Kenmare in the southwest of Ireland. A “Jewel on the Ring of Kerry”, the town lies nestled between the mountains of Kerry and Cork.
Today, the castle ruins stand in a wooded glen, vegetation crawling up the stone edifice of what remains of a grand tower. Emerging from the stillness of the forest, these ruins are a breathtaking sight. One can almost conjure the history and romance of this powerful clan.
Lush green foliage, the gentle song of wrens wafting through the glade and pervasive mists of an early spring morning gives the site its unique Celtic flavor.
Yet for those of us descending from the O’Sullivan Baera branch, our stronghold is a pile of rock about waist high, situated near Dunboy Castle on the outskirts of Castletownbere. It was blown to bits in 1602 in the Seige of Dunboy. Move along folks, little to see here.
Since Dunkerron belongs to distant cousins from a remote past, I’ve decided to revise my personal history. Skipping a few generations and facts in order to claim the enchanting Dunkerron, I’ve decided to trace my lineage back to Eoghan, founder of all the O’Sullivan branches.
Now, that’s my castle ... Is é do bhaile do chaisleán
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to those who are Irish … and those who wish they were.
I have already claimed the title of The Prince of Dunkerron. This a branch of the O'Sullivan Mor clan which died in mid-1700's. So there is room for both of us.
ReplyDeleteHSH DANIEL WILLIAM SULLIVAN
THE PRINCE OF DUNKERRON
Indeed. Co-regency would work.
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
ReplyDeleteMy name is ryan Sullivan im also part of both beare and mor thats cool and i know all about this castle and dunboy
ReplyDeleteHello Ryan, and thanks for reading my story. Thank you for your comments. I would love to learn more about this castle and dunboy. Feel free to contact me at travelonz@yahoo.com
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ReplyDeleteI'm in Ireland now, on the Ring of Kerry and heading toward Kenmare. I'm looking forward to finding and visiting both castles, as I'm a Sullivan Bear. Assuming we Sullivan's (I.e. O'Sullivans) are all descended from the Mor clan, I would like to officially stake my claim as princess of both castles :) But we could all do a clan timeshare?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info.
Pamela Sullivan:-)
Pamela, Sounds like a plan, but we'll have to clear this with "Prince Daniel William" (above).
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful trip. Would love to be there myself!
I am a decendant of Mary Ann Sullivan who immigrated to America in 1863. I'm headed back to the motherland this week and look forward to checking out the old digs, Castle Dunkerron. If any family is nearby, I'd be honored to buy u a glass of whiskey. "The Hand of Friendship is Still Firm"!
ReplyDeleteMichael Solomon-have a great trip. My cousin is working on our O'Sullivan family tree through Ancestry.com. She has recently come across a marriage record for Daniel O'Sullivan and Mary Dwyre 24 Feb 1846. Area: Kerry (RC) Parish: Eyeries. Any connection??
DeleteMichael Solomon-have a great trip. My cousin is working on our O'Sullivan family tree through Ancestry.com. She has recently come across a marriage record for Daniel O'Sullivan and Mary Dwyre 24 Feb 1846. Area: Kerry (RC) Parish: Eyeries. Any connection??
ReplyDelete