Claregalway

Back when we first arrived in Ireland, we drove back and forth through Claregalway many times as we traveled from Westport to Athone. We drove by the castle and ruins of the friary but never stopped, seems we were always on a mission to get from point A to point B.  When I saw that there was to be a medieval combat tournament at the castle I jumped at the chance for a visit. We were not sure what to expect from such a tournament, but it was an opportunity to visit this small castle and to check out the grounds of the Franciscan Friary across the street.

The tournament is an actual competition - warriors (both men and women) who use replicas of medieval weapons and armor. Pure hand-to-hand fighting; with throws, punches, jabs, headbutting and kicks. Each round lasts one minute and when the competitors are equal in skill there are 3 rounds, otherwise it can be called at
2 rounds. Short rounds, but the weapons and armor are very heavy.  There are specific points given (or taken away) for where, and how, you strike your opponent and those points are tallied during the competition.  The champions are awarded after the two-day competition. There is an organization they all belong to The Medieval Armored Combat Ireland and they travel all over Europe holding tournaments/competitions. These folks take it all very seriously.  Lots of folks walking  around in period costumes, musicians, a jester and misc. royalty. There was only one vendor selling stuff, and an outdoor oven selling pizza.  The emphasis of the event was the competition, but with the number of children in attendance I think they could have done so much more – even a pony ride.

We took a tour of the castle built in the 1400’s by the Burke's. Up and down the region they controlled the crossing points for the River Clare and various trade routes.  Of-course there were battles, both personal (philandering husband) and military.  It was the last castle to fall to the Cromwellian forces in the late 1600’s. In the 1700’s, citizens installed a water wheel mill, which was in operation at the castle for many years.  During the war of Independence (1919-21) the British used it as a garrison and prison for the captured I.R.A. soldiers.  The first Garda (Irish Police) established a station there and they claim that Orson Wells stayed there as a young man in 1931.  At one point there was a tunnel between the castle and the friary, it’s not there any longer. 

The Friary also had a colorful history.  Founded in 1250, it went through many personnel changes, religious persuasions, alternations, power struggles (coinciding with the control of the castle) and numerous battles for the next 300 years.  In 1589 the friars were driven out of Claregalway and the friary was converted into barracks for the men of the governor at the time, Sir Bingham. The Friars returned in 1641 and began restoration.  It finally fell following the 1731 “dissolution of the monasteries” and anything of value (chalices, records, crosses – even the bells) were seized by the High Sheriff of Galway.  The 3 remaining friars were forced to leave.  Volunteer groups are currently restoring 'dangerous' portions of the friary.  It's a beautiful site, and again as with most abbey's and friaries we've come across, is still being used for burials. 


PHOTO ALBUM