Turns out there are a lot of tall tales surrounding the stone that lets you tell tall tales. So yeah – Blarney Castle is next.

New castle, Luttrellstown! Fun ride from the Normans to the Celtic Tiger.

Wrote up the second half of Luttrellstown’s life, when it became the ultimate status symbol – genuine Irish castle. Tomorrow, editing, pictures and post.

How much do people have to hate you if 80 years after they shoot you in the street, they break into your grave and smash your skull? A lot, I guess. Half of Luttrellstown done. The rest tomorrow, then post on Friday.

Yeah, next castle’s a doozy. Writing it up tomorrow.

New castle is up – Dunguaire Castle. Legendary kings, Celtic revivalism and a little bit of 1930s scandal. What more could you ask for?

Loving these castle articles so far – great way to get a slice of history in a focussed context. Written up the next one, it’s the biggest one yet. Posting tomorrow.

Once again I started with nothing but a castle’s name and wound up digging a thread through bards on hunger strike, the murder of saints, Cromwell, senators escaping from execution in Phoenix Park, and disputes over the legitimacy of an heir to a title. Everything has a history.

New castle, Charleville Castle. Enjoyed writing this a lot, and surprisingly easy to find pictures for.

Written up the next castle. Another monster long article. Pics and post tomorrow.