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If a Towerhouse Could Talk: The History of Dunsoghly Castle and the Plunkett Family
by Eddie Jordan
Format: Paperback
Publication date: 25th January 2011
ISBN: 978-1-908024-03-9
Price: €16.00
This book tells the history of a well-preserved 15th century towerhouse in Fingal, North County Dublin. Dunsoghly Castle is a registered National Monument and has survived the ravages of time and still retains its original trussed oak roof, the only one on a towerhouse to survive in Ireland. The castle lies in a flat plain in Fingal and dominates the surrounding rural landscape, just west of the main runway at Dublin Airport.
In addition to the structure itself, the book tells the amazing story of its builders, the Plunkett family who lived there for over 400 years, and who counted in their numbers eminent chief justices, military commanders, knights, historians, clergymen and martyrs. In doing so, the book takes us to places as diverse as London, Poland, Virginia, Lisbon, Cornwall, Flanders, Barbados and all over Ireland.
The Dunsoghly Plunketts were appointed to high office, censured for treason, outlawed as rebels, knighted for loyal service, imprisoned for debt, exiled and martyred for their religion. They played their part in every era of Irish history, from the Norman Conquest to the Williamite wars.
Approximately 12 Kilometres to the North of Dublin City, in the Province of Leinster, County of Fingal, Barony of Coolock, Parish of Saint Margaret’s and Townland of Dunsoghly, lies Dunsoghly Castle, a four storey, fifteenth century tower house and ancestral home of a branch of the famous Plunkett family of the Counties Meath, Louth and Dublin.
The name Dunsoghly derives from the Irish placename Dun Sochlaigh, or the fort of Sochlach. The personal name Sochlach possibly derives from the adjective sochlach which meant “famous”. The castle is believed to stand on the site of the original Dun (fort) which gives the location its name. Dunsoghly is translated as Dun Sachaille, meaning Sochaille’s fort.
How to get there:
Exit the M50 Motorway at Junction 4 (Ballymun / Naul). Take the R108 (Direction Naul) and continue for approximately 2.3 Kms to a T junction. Turn right (Direction Naul) and proceed straight at roundabout. After the roundabout take the 1st left turn signposted Dunsoghly Lane / Newtown Cottages (L7231) and follow this road into the village. As you enter Dunsoghly the castle will be visible directly in front.
About the Author
Eddie Jordan is a native of Dublin City, where he works and lives with his family. He studied Local History as a mature student in National University of Ireland, Maynooth. This is his first publication.
This Publication has been supported By Fingal LEADER Partnership & The Department of Community Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs through the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 & The European ~Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
