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History
The Castle was built
in 1467 by Sean MacNamara, and is a magnificent example of a
medieval tower house. It has a long and varied history ~ from
a battle field to a dwelling place. In 1571 the Castle became
the seat of the MacNamara Clan ~ Earls of West Clancullen. Donagh
MacNamara was a leader of the 1641 rebellion and then Knappogue
remained in MacNamara hands until 1659 when it was confiscated
by Cromwells parliament and granted to a ‘Roundhead’,
Arthur Smith.
However after the monarchy
was restored in 1670 and Knappogue was returned to its MacNamara
owners. The MacNamara Clan sold the castle to the Scotts in 1800
and they carried out major restoration and extension work.
In 1855, it was acquired by
Lord Dunboyne who continued the restoration work. The castle’s
history is imaginatively told on colourful panels throughout
its rooms.
In the 1920's Knappogue passed
into the hands of a local farmer and fell into disrepair. Luckily,
it was purchased in 1966 by the Hon. Mark Edwin Andrews of Houston
Texas. He and his wife (a prominent American architect), in collaboration
with Shannon Development, carried out an extensive and sensitive
restoration returning the Castle to its former 15th Century glory
while encompassing and retaining later additions which are a
testament to the continuous occupation of the Castle.
The Andrews were the last occupants
of the Castle.
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