Product Description

An Englishman s home is his castle but an Irishman s home is ... Blarney Castle, Bunratty Castle and Dublin Castle are three of the most recognisable and well-known castles in Ireland but how many of us really know why and how they were built and who lived in them? There are many castles dotted throughout Ireland and each one has its own story to tell, its own history to reveal. The conquest of Ireland by the Anglo-Normans brought dramatic changes to the Irish landscape. Prior to 1169 castles were not a common architectural feature. The Irish relied on their natural surroundings bogs and woods for protection from marauding forces unlike the conquering Normans who developed strongholds as a means of defence. Annals from that time indicate that the country was full of foreigners and castles . Initial fortifications were made of earth and timber and later of stone. However, not all castles were built for military purposes. Many were constructed for long-term occupation. David Sweetman looks at the six main fortification types built in Ireland from 1169 onwards: Timber and earthwork castles, large stone fortresses, hall-houses, later medieval fortresses, tower and fortified houses, and stronghouses. The Medieval Castles of Ireland is liberally illustrated throughout with photographs, plans and reconstruction drawings.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #440926 in Books
• Published on: 2005-06-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 218 pages

Review
'Will interest the scholar and the layman' The Irish Times 'A very satisfactory book' Books Ireland 'Richly researched and valuable study' Irish Independent 'Important addition to your collection of archaeology books' Archaeology Ireland

Dr Terry Barry (Senior Lecturer, Dept of Medieval History, trinity College Dublin)
This is the most definitive book ... now undoubtedly replaces Leake's classic work written over half a century ago.

J.R. Kenyon (National Museum of Wales and author of Medieval Fortifications)
... a major contribution to medieval archaeology.

Customer Reviews

A good book for all
The title of the book may put most people off reading it. But the book is easily read and easily understood. The book was written for the general public and not just for archaeologists. The book is the best book on Irish castles. It covers from early earthenwork castles to later medieval castles. The illustrations and photographs are excellant. I would highly recommend everyone to buy this book.

Castles for all...
The stunning illustrations alone make this a worthwhile purchase. The text is both accessible and informative. The material details a range of Irish Castles that are sure to excite all; the text provides all the essential descriptive details while the narrative contextualization ensures the attention of the reader is firmly held. This book certainly deals with castles but takes them further to bring the medieval Irish landscapes and people to life. PIL