Stops 13, 14 & 15

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13) Castleburke

Though now diminished in grandeur, much colourful history and folklore permeates from its ruins.Formerly known as Kilboynell Castle and thought to have been built by O'Flaherty's but it is the Burke (MacWilliam) associations that distinguish it. Richard an larain (Iron Dick) and Grainne Uaile (Pirate Queen) had one Son. Tiobhóid Na Long (Theobald of the Ships) who acquired the Castle and the most of the land from McEvilly's.
He was a brilliant tactician, politician and seaman (no doubt genetically inherited). Having received substitute parenting in his childhood in the Bowen household, courtesy of "The Crown" he emerged into adulthood with all the skills of his natural parents and an acquired understanding if the English, which he later was able to utilise for personal gain. As a result of assisting the English at the Battle of Kinsale 1601, he was rewarded with land and later became Viscount of Mayo. Despite this, the English could not trust him, because he continued as "An Independent" sometimes supporting what remained of gaelic Chiefs, always, with personal gain as the deciding issue. He now rests in an ornate tomb in Ballintubber Abbey. He didn't intend to get there so quickly but, en route from Castleburke to Ballintubber Abbey for spiritual reasons, he was accompanied by his brother-in-law, who killed him. That is recalled today by the "Ballintubber Curse" - Turas Tiobhóid na Long Duit = May you have Tiobhóid na Long's journey! His descendants resided in Castleburke and in the reign of Viscount VIII, it was frequently visited by poets and bards most notable of whom was O'Carolan "The Blind Harpist" who composed "The Lords of Mayo" here. Its present owner is Eamon de Burca.
A Hangman's Tower beside the Castle is thought to have been frequently used at one time!

14) Canoe Dock

With the aid of aerial photography, this is thought to be a Canoe Dock. However two other sites challenge for the title. The Dugout Canoe was formed from the carved-out or burnt out centre of the felled oak tree. These vessels were used for raiding and visiting. It is also thought that skin covered boats of coracle type were widely used but they have not survived. Movement around the coasts is likely to have been in larger vessels and the fine gold model of a ship with mast and oars found in Broighter, Co. Derry gives us an insight into the methods of Deep Sea Travel in Iron Age.

15) Inner Rampart (North)

You have visited this at Stop 2 extending across the neck of the peninsula.
You can now view the wall that was your entrance point and now will be your exit.
We hope you have enjoyed "The Doon Experience".

Email us your comments. kevincoyne@mayo-ireland.ie

Stops 1, 2 and 3 Stop4, 5 and 6 Stops 7, 8 and 9
Stops 10, 11 and 12 Stops 13, 14 and 15