Late-night parties at the castle

IT may be a building of significant historical importance but Carrigaholt Castle has now become a place for revellers and late night parties.

 

That’s according to Councillor Patrick Keane, who has called on Clare County Council to take steps to ensure persons cannot enter the castle where all that remains is a shell of its former nobility.

“In recent times it has become a place for late night parties and it will be only a mater of time before a serious accident occurs,” he warned.

Carrigaholt Castle, a five storey tower house, was built in 1480 by the McMahons, chiefs of the Corcabascin Peninsula. The Burton family were the last inhabitants of the castle in the late 19th century.

Acting senior engineer with the council, Cyril Feeney, explained Carrigaholt Castle is not in the ownership of the council and nor does the maintenance lie with it.

“The castle comes under the jurisdiction of the Office of Public Works and we have forwarded this (Councillor Keane’s) concern to them,” he stressed.

However, Councillor Keane was critical of the OPW in not making the building inaccessible to members of the public.

“Maintenance of the castle is the responsibility of the OPW but they are not doing anything about it. They did install bars in the windows to prevent access but vandals have removed the bars and parties are being held there.

“There is a broken-down stairs going up to the top of the castle and it’s dangerous. With the parties, you have the consumption of alcohol and young lads were seen right up at the top of the castle in recent times. At the moment I’m very fearful of a serious accident occurring there,” he cautioned.

Councillor Keane told The Clare Champion that he wants the OPW to exercise their responsibility and take immediate steps to prevent access to the castle, which is located on private property.

“It is the scene of unsociable behaviour. People, probably not locals, are congregating there at night time and at all hours of the morning and partying. When fellows have drink taken, anything can happen.

“I want the OPW to take action before something does happen. I don’t want people saying ‘why didn’t somebody do something about it’.

“There’s no point expressing such views when it’s too late. It like going swimming with drink taken – it’s asking for trouble,” he warned.