Print - Carrigaholt Castle on the Shannon Estuary, County Clare

“Carrigaholt Castle on the Shannon Estuary, County Clare” Print by Irish Artist/Photographer James A. Truett. Since 1480, Carrigaholt Castle has been guarding the Shannon Estuary and the entrance to Carrigaholt Bay on Ireland's Loophead Peninsula.  Built by the McMahon Clan, this five-story tower house has endured a colourful history. In 1588, seven ships from the Spanish Armada sought protection in the estuary and anchored off the point while many of their sister ships went on the rocks and sank along Ireland's treacherous Atlantic Coast. They were returning home after participating in a failed attempt to invade England. The McMahon's raised the ire of the English by providing aid to the Spanish sailors after the English had ordered their executions. A year later after a four-day siege, the castle was captured by the Earl of Thomond, Donagh O'Brien. All defenders of the castle were put to death as traitors. Sometime later, the Burton family acquired the castle and lived there until th