Killeedy Castle

Killeedy Castle, locally sometimes known as Ambrose's Castle, lies in the townland of Killeedy North, in County Limerick, in Ireland.

Killeedy Castle dates back to 1190, and it is thought to have been built by the Knights Templar to guard a trade route. Due to its strategic importance, it was personally handed over to the De Barry family by John, King of England, in 1207. Later that century, however, its role was taken over by Glenquin Castle nearby, which was more suited for its strategic role and on an even better position.

During the 15th and 16th century the castle passed through the hands of several owners, amongst whom were the De Lacys, the FitzGeralds, who were Earls of Desmond, and the Courtney/Courtenay family. And having no more importance, it gradually fell into disrepair, so that by the 19th century it was already a ruin.

In 1988 the ruin was violently struck by lightning which almost completely destroyed it. What remains today is just a tall and narrow stack that looks like it could topple with just a gust of wind.

Killeedy was a tower house which was built on an older artificial mound next to a stream, surrounded by an earthen rampart and a wet moat. The remaining 4-storeys high needle was part of the south wall of the tower house.

The name Killeedy, an anglicized form of 'Cill Ide', means 'church of Ida', as the settlement was named after St. Ida who founded a monastery here in 546. Legend has it that there is a tunnel leading west from the castle to Glenquin Castle. Another legends says that it was destroyed by cannon fire from Glenquin during a feud in 1640.

At present, Killeedy Castle stands on private grounds. Its mound is very heavily overgrown. It can not be visited, but easily be viewed from the public road. Not very interesting.

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