Nestled on the outskirts of the charming village of Tyrrellspass in County Westmeath, Tyrrellspass Castle stands as a silent sentinel to centuries of Irish history. A 13th-century tower house, this medieval stronghold was once the proud home of the Tyrrell family, whose lineage can be traced back to William the Conqueror. Their story is woven into the fabric of Ireland’s turbulent past, spanning from the Norman invasion to the bloody conflicts of the 16th and 17th centuries.
A Fortress of History
Built as a defensive structure, Tyrrellspass Castle rises approximately twenty meters high, its stone walls sheltering a network of chambers stacked upon one another. Even today, visitors can ascend the original stone spiral staircase and admire a roof beam dating back to 1270. A chilling reminder of medieval warfare, the castle’s entrance is flanked by a murder hole—an architectural feature that allowed defenders to rain down attacks on unsuspecting intruders.
Though the castle fell into ruin over time, it was lovingly restored in the 1970s and now thrives as a popular restaurant, allowing guests to dine amidst the echoes of the past.
The Tyrrells: Warriors and Rebels
The Tyrrell family played a significant role in Ireland’s history, their name deeply entwined with both triumph and tragedy. One of the most renowned figures of this lineage was Captain Richard Tyrrell, a formidable commander and a key ally of Aodh Mór Ó Néill during the Nine Years' War. In 1597, he led a decisive victory against English Crown Forces in the Battle of Tyrrellspass, cementing his reputation as a strategic military leader.
Records from the period speak of Richard Tyrrell in both awe and fear. The Calendar of State Papers for Ireland in 1603 describes him as:
“Tyrrell, who of all that were in rebellion, next to Tyrone, was the most dangerous, being the most sufficient soldier and of the greatest reputation throughout all Ireland.”
Similarly, the Annals of the Four Masters recount:
“A gentleman of the Anglo-Norman family of the Tyrrells, Lords of Fartullagh in Westmeath. He was one of the most valiant and celebrated commanders of the Irish in the war against Elizabeth; and during a period of ten or twelve years had many conflicts with the English Forces throughout Ireland.”
A Mysterious Fate
Following the Irish defeat at the Battle of Kinsale in 1601, the rebellion began to wane. By 1603, the Treaty of Mellifont marked a turning point in Anglo-Irish relations. While some accounts suggest the Tyrrells fled to Spain after their failed resistance, others dispute this claim.
Richard Tyrrell’s later years remain shrouded in mystery. Some sources suggest he was granted land in Cavan after striking a deal with the English following the death of Queen Elizabeth I. Others whisper of his capture while attempting to flee to Flanders in 1632 at the remarkable age of ninety.
Legacy and Legend
Beyond his military prowess, Richard Tyrrell’s personal life is also a subject of intrigue. Born in Spain in 1545 to Philip Tyrrell and a Spanish noblewoman—who was also the foster mother of Don Carlos, the son of Philip II of Spain—his heritage blended the old Norman bloodlines with the warmth of the Spanish court. Some records suggest he married Doryne, daughter of Rory Og O’Moore of Laois, while others claim his wife was a woman named Maud, with whom he had two children, Godfrey and Rita.
Tyrrellspass Castle Today
Though centuries have passed since the Tyrrells walked its halls, Tyrrellspass Castle remains a tangible link to Ireland’s rich and complex past. Now a welcoming destination for visitors, it offers an opportunity to step back in time and imagine the lives of those who once sought refuge within its walls. The whispers of history still echo through its stone corridors, ensuring that the legacy of the Tyrrells endures.
Whether you visit to experience its historical allure or simply to enjoy a meal within its storied walls, Tyrrellspass Castle is a place where the past and present coexist, offering a glimpse into the enduring spirit of Ireland’s heritage.
