Monanimy Castle

Monanimy Castle lies in the townland of Monanimy Lower, in County Cork, in Ireland.

By some, the castle of Monanimy is supposed to have been built by the Knights Templars. Others state it was built by Normans in the 12th century. It is, however, more probable that it was built by the Nagle family in the 15th/16th century, who also held nearby Carrigacunna Castle to the east and on the opposite bank of the Munster Blackwater.

In the late 17th century the castle was forfeited as the Nagles had supported the defeated James II of England.

Monanimy Castle was occupied by the Barry family in the mid-19th century. They remained as residents until the 1940s when the castle was damaged by fire. It was renovated several times in the 19th and 20th century.

The castle is a 3-storey rectangular tower and was built on sloping ground, overlooking the river and a historical single arched bridge. According to legend there runs a tunnel from this castle, under the Munster Blackwater, to Carrigacunna Castle.

At present, Monanimy Castle is a private residence and thus can not be visited. It is almost invisible from the road that runs directly north of, but it can be seen from afar from the opposite side of the river.

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