Bun Gaillme’s New Castle
Archived: 25 October 2026
In 1232, Connacht’s contested kingship linked local dynastic rivalry to English royal politics. Richard de Burgh released Fedlimid Ó Conchobair after his patron Hubert de Burgh’s fall, while Áed mac Ruaidrí retained a precarious restoration. De Burgh’s castle at Bun Gaillme and Adam Staunton’s at Dunamon embodied efforts to secure enduring authority. Conchobar, Áed’s son, died invading the Three Tuatha, weakening his dynasty. Elsewhere, chieftains fought, hostages were taken, crops destroyed and coastal warfare continued. Yet churches were consecrated, regular canons organised, and religious figures were praised for learning, hospitality and care, showing warfare and institution-building advancing together across Ireland.
