Following the displacement of the O'Flynns different
branches of the McCarthy family occupied the castle up until the
mid 17th century. The McCarthy controlled approximately 232,300
acres in Muskerry. A total of 8 different members of the family
occupied the position of Lord of Muskerry until their removal in
1691. In 1448 Cormac Laidir McCarthy inherited the tile Lord of
Muskerry. During his lifetime he did much to improve the castle
by rebuilding it and enlarging it. He also built a castle at Carrigadrohid
and founded and an Abby at Kilcrea. He is probably also best known
for building Blarney castle in 1446.
Milling was introduced in the late 16th century by Gallowglass
Donal McSweeney. One of the earliest is the presence of a horizontal
mill at Mashanaglass......
We hope you have enjoyed this brief introduction to the
rich history that Macroom has to offer.
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