Peeking from behind Dublin Airport’s runway lies a secret. It is a secret named Dunsoghly Castle. This castle stands as Ireland’s only castle with its original roof.
Dunsoghly Castle is a National Monument in St. Margaret’s. It is near Fingal. Built around 1450 by Sir Thomas Plunkett, Chief Justice of the Irish Common Pleas. The Plunkett family lived here until the 1870s. They held titles like Barons of Kileen and Earls of Fingal.
This is one of the few 15th-century fortified tower houses still intact. Its wooden roof is the only original one left in Ireland. The roof’s construction techniques inspired other historical projects. These include Rothe House, Kilkenny Castle, and Bunratty Castle.
The four-story tower has square turrets at each corner. They rise above the roof. The northeast turret holds the staircase to all four floors. Dunsoghly Castle’s roof is special. It has trussed oak wood. This served as a model for Bunratty Castle and Rothe House restorations. The roof has arch-braced with four oak principals. Each collar-beam holds a king-post. This supports a purlin and cross-pieces below the ridge. The rafters lay flat. The framework is covered with split laths.
Beside Dunsoghly Castle stands a small chapel. It dates back to 1573. The chapel features stone carvings. These carvings depict the Instruments of the Passion. The initials of John Plunkett and his wife Genet Sarsfield are also carved. John Plunkett was the grandson of Sir Thomas Plunkett. Like his grandfather, he was a Chief Justice.
Earthwork defenses surround the west and south sides of Dunsoghly Castle. These were built in the mid-17th century. Dunsoghly Castle has been state-owned since 1914. The Office of Public Works manages it.
Dunsoghly Castle played a role in the movie “Braveheart” in 1995. It served as Robert the Bruce’s residence in Edinburgh. Though access is restricted due to safety concerns, it can be viewed from a distance.
Imagine the Plunkett family living here for centuries. Descendants of Sir Rowland Plunkett continuously occupied it until 1870. Despite being cramped, they remained. The topmost chamber of the southwest turret once served as a prison. It’s only accessible through an opening above.
Dunsoghly Castle stands as a testament to Ireland’s rich history. It is a unique structure with its original roof. The castle has witnessed centuries of Irish life. It remains a symbol of resilience. As planes fly overhead, Dunsoghly Castle quietly guards its secrets.