HISTORY & TRAVEL
BAT TLEMENTS OF BUNR AT T Y C A STLE
FIRE PIT, THE GREAT HALL, BUNR AT T Y C A STLE
Just beyond the northern hills 3300 Irish Confederate
soldiers begin to awake and move freely in small bands
through the thick forest and nettles surrounding the
castle grounds. Less than a mere kilometer away
their intended prize rises predominantly above the
land in menacing array. Bunratty Castle was the key
to controlling the Port of Limerick. With the River
Shannon in close proximity, the fortress cannons could
easily engage frigates and enforce control of passage.
Funding for the rebel operation came from Rinuccini
the Papal Legate, though sufficient for the operation
initially, it wasn’t limitless. No one had expected such
a long siege. With supplies running low and money in
scarce reserve the Confederates believed the English
well stocked and fully prepared for the long siege
which befell them.
Inside the castle women and children huddled together
in the great hall. The fire in the center of the room
offered little comfort given the situation. Cannon fire
began to bombard against the thick castle walls. Cries
from the children echoed against the stone walls and
elevated ceilings as dust and rubble began to crumble
upon them. Soldiers sprang into action making their
way quickly to the cannon platform. Their only hope
was to keep the west corcasse under their control
enabling them to replenish via ships from Cork. If the
west corcasse were to remain free the English might
have a chance of holding out - if the women and the
children could be removed to safety. This was not the
day to attempt an evacuation.
Recent escalation of numerous events brought the
English Parliamentarian forces to occupy the castle
with 700 soldiers and a dozen nearby ships for support.
This in combination with raiding of the countryside
the English freely engaged in drew the attention of
the Irish Confederate leaders who were quick to strike
back. These tit-for-tat exchanges escalated to the point
that a third of the Confederate army was diverted from
Kilkenney to Bunratty in attempt to halt the madness
and gain control of the citadel. The scene was set for
one of the greatest standoffs in County Clare’s history.
49
1961 Magazine Fall 2016