The noble and picturesque Knappogue Castle.
It’s not difficult to come over all ‘Game of Thrones’ while visiting Knappogue Castle in Co. Clare.
As you explore the thick-walled central tower, which was built in the 1400s, it’s easy to imagine Robb Stark planning his next battle at one of the large tables, a Lannister scheming away in a dark corner, Robert Baratheon living it up in the Great Hall or even Daenerys Targaryen training her dragons in the courtyard.
Located near the village of Quin and operated by Shannon Heritage, the history of Knappogue follows a similar path to nearby Bunratty in its rise, fall and restoration. Like Bunratty, it too was built by the powerful MacNamara clan, in 1467, and was later confiscated by Cromwell. Having passed through the hands of a number of owners, it began to fall into decay in the 1920s. It was a ruin by the time it was bought by a Mr. and Mrs. Andrews from Texas in 1966. Working alongside Shannon Development, the couple worked to restore the castle and opened its doors to the public in 1969.
The castle itself includes its original 15th century tower surrounded by a later two-storey extension, which was added in the 19th century. Inside, there is a clear distinction between the two as the rooms in the tower are darker and boast those extraordinarily thick stone walls while the newer section is much brighter, more delicately decorated and incredibly grand. A bit modern for ‘Game of Thrones’ perhaps but certainly the type of room which Queen Regent Cersei, Lady Sansa or the other high-born ladies might frequent.
Aside from the castle, Knappogue also has a Victorian-style walled garden and hosts nightly medieval banquets from April to October.
Conveniently located just a stones’ throw from the fantastic Craggaunowen, there are certainly far worse ways to spend the day than a visit to these two fascinating attractions.
The front door of the castle.
Gateway into the courtyard.
The ‘top table’ in the Dalcassian Room.
The Banquet Hall looking into the Dalcassian Room.
The crests of local clans with which the family were associated hanging in the Banquet Hall.
Beautifully detailed chairs at the top table.
The 19th Century Drawing Room with its Waterford Crystal chandelier.
Some of the detail on the ceiling in the drawing room.
The 19th Century Drawing Room.
The 19th Century Dining Room.
Ready for guests in the dining room.
The dining room ceiling.
Traditional lighting in one of the narrow windows in the winding stairwell.
The Clancullen Room – perfect for Game of Thrones-style plotting, is it not?
Light floods into the Clancullen Room on a sunny day.
A table with a view in the Clancullen Room.
The fireplace in the Clancullen Room.
A closer look at the fireplace.
Stained glass window near the top of the stairs in the Clancullen Room.
The Great Hall.
Lots and lots of candles waiting to illuminate the Great Hall.
Grand furniture for a grand room.
A home for young and old.
Let there be more light in the Great Hall.
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