The Medieval Castles of Ireland - Hardcover

Sweetman, David

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0851157882 ISBN 13: 9780851157887

Publisher: Boydell Press, 2000

Synopsis

`The definitive book on the archaeology of Irish castles.' TERRY BARRY, Trinity College Dublin. The great age of Irish castle-building began with the arrival of the Anglo-Normans, traditionally dated to 1169, and continued right up to the seventeenth century. This account of the development of Irish castles proceeds chronologically from the large earthwork and stone castles introduced by the Anglo-Normans, through the later medieval hall houses and tower houses, to the strong houses and fortified houses which marked the end of the medieval period. Blarney Castle (County Cork) and Bunratty Castle (County Limerick) are famous surviving examples of medieval castle-building, but as this book shows, they are in good company, and there are many others to be found in whole or in part throughout the country. The volume is lavishly illustrated with 200 original drawings and photographs.

About this title

About the Author:

DAVID SWEETMAN, MA, FSA, MRIA was chief archaeologist in Duchas (formerly the Office of Public Works). He was general editor of the County Archaeological Inventory Series and has been widely published with many ground-breaking archaeological excavation reports to his credit. He is a member of many academic bodies and learned societies, both in Ireland and abroad.

Review:

In all, this book is a major contribution to the study of Irish castles, and should be compulsory reading for anyone interested in medieval Ireland... New castles have been identified over the course of this work and more information abnout known ones gathered. Sweetman excellently weaves all this new fieldwork and, also, the results of recent excavations of castles, into this volume. MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY Can be regarded as the definitive and indispensable work on the subject, the result of over 30 years of excavation, survey and involvement with these numerous and varied structures. A satisfying and eminently readable book. CASEMATE

About this edition

• Publisher: Boydell Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0851157882
• ISBN 13: 9780851157887
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 220