If a Towerhouse Could Talk . The History of Dunsoghly Castle and the Plunkett Family

This book is a comprehensive history of a well-preserved 15th century towerhouse in Fingal, North County Dublin. Dunsoghly Castle is unique for a number of reasons. As a registered National Monument, it has survived the ravages of time and still retains its original 15th century trussed oak roof, the only one to survive in Ireland. The castle lies in a flat plain in Fingal and dominates the surrounding rural landscape, just west of the main runway at Dublin Airport.

In addition to the structure itself, the book tells the amazing story of its builders, the Plunkett family who lived there for over 400 years, and who counted in their numbers eminent chief justices, military commanders, knights, historians, clergymen and martyrs.The Dunsoghly Plunketts shared a common ancestry with the Earls of Fingal in Killeen Castle, the Barons of Dunsany Castle, the Plunketts of Loughcrew and Bewley to name but a few. They walked with the royalty and the nobility of their times and even met with the Crowned Heads of England on more than one occasion. They were appointed to high office, censured for treason, outlawed as rebels, knighted for loyal service, imprisoned for debt, exiled and martyred for their religion.