Sheanmore Castle

Sheanmore Castle lies in the townland of the same name, in County Waterford, in Ireland.

This tower house, which was originally surrounded by a bailey, was probably built in the late 14th/early 15th century by the Fitzgeralds. It was first mentioned in 1420. During the First Desmond Rebellion the castle was burnt in 1571 by the Earl of Osmond. It was subsequently rebuilt by Maurice Fitzgerald of Shean but in 1580 it was again sacked and burned by the Earl of Osmond. Some years later Maurice had his possessions forfeited.

In February 1587 Sir Walter Raleigh got possession of Sheanmore castle, its town and lands, after which he started to lease it out. Gerald Fitzjames, son of James Fitzmaurice Fitzgerald, managed to capture the castle from the tenant in 1598, during a rebellion, and made it his home again. Because he was on the losing side of the rebellion, Gerald had to surrender his castle for a pardon in 1601 and it reverted to Sir Walter Raleigh.

In later decades the Fitzgeralds tried to regain their castle several times but by the mid-17th century Sheanmore Castle had fallen to ruin.

Sheanmore Castle is situated on private farmland. A nice, lonely ruin.

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