The Rich History of Castle Matrix
On the outskirts of town of Rathkeale is Castle Matrix, a fifteenth-century tower founded by the Fitzgeralds. Its name may be derived from 'Caisleán Bhun Traisce'. However, some experts have linked the castle's name with the 'Matres' or 'Matronae'. The Matres were triple mother-goddesses of the pagan Celts, a type of pre-Christian Trinity.
Castle Matrix, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick
Located on the outskirts of Rathkeale, Castle Matrix was the home of the Fitzgeralds of Desmond. Reputedly built on the site of a pagan celtic sanctuary, the Matres, the Castle has been very important in the history of the area.
© Limerick County Library.Castle Matrix, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick
© Limerick County Library.
© Limerick County Library.
Castle Matrix, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick
Located on the outskirts of Rathkeale, Castle Matrix was the home of the Fitzgeralds of Desmond. Reputedly built on the site of a pagan celtic sanctuary, the Matres, the Castle has been very important in the history of the area.
© Limerick County Library.James, the Ninth Earl of Desmond, owned the castle in 1487. He was unpopular with his servants, so they decided to get rid of their employer by murdering him. They were made to pay for this action when James's brother, Maurice, avenged his death by executing every servant they had.
Another famous owner of the castle was Thomas Southwell, who rescued 200 Palentine families from Germany and settled them on the grounds of the castle in 1709. Castle Matrix is also the place where Sir Walter Raleigh met the poet, Edmund Spenser. This meeting inspired him to write 'The Faerie Queen'. Edmund Southwell (Thomas's father) was also a good friend of Sir Walter Raleigh, who often visited the castle. Raleigh presented him with some Virginia Tubers, which he planted in the land around the castle. In 1610, the crop of potatoes was harvested and distributed throughout the province.
Door at Castle Matrix, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick
This photo shows a door at Castle Matrix. The castle was unoccupied for a number of years until it was renovated in the 1960s, with many of the old features being retained.
© Limerick County Library.Door at Castle Matrix, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick
© Limerick County Library.
© Limerick County Library.
Door at Castle Matrix, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick
This photo shows a door at Castle Matrix. The castle was unoccupied for a number of years until it was renovated in the 1960s, with many of the old features being retained.
© Limerick County Library.By the 1960s, the castle had fallen into disrepair. An American called Sean O'Driscoll bought the castle and restored it to its former glory. The castle now has a library containing a collection of original documents relating to the Wild Geese. It is still owned and maintained by the O'Driscoll family.