Drimnagh
Castle
Families of Drimnagh Castle
This page is under construction
THE FAMILIES OF DRIMNAGH CASTLE (in brief)
Even before Strongbow landed in Leinster, an ancient Breton family, the de
Bernevals, had landed in Berehaven, Co.Cork. However, it is said that the family was
attacked and slaughtered by the local MacCarthy clan - only one young man escaped by
fleeing to England. On 23 August 1212, Hugo ceBerneval returned to Ireland, and in return
for his family's help in the invasion King John granted him "seisin of his land at Drimenagh
and Terenure in the vale of Dublin, 12 December 1216."
In order to protect his lands, Hugo de Berneval first raised a castle at Terenure (on the site
of the present Terenure College),and then built Drimnagh Castle at the head of the
Lansdowne Valley, in an excellent defensive position on high ground,
(Druimneach' means
'ridged land). These castles were two of several protecting Dublin against attackers,
particularly from the clans such as the O'Byrnes and O'Tooles who lived in the Wicklow
mountains.
The de Berneval family (their name was later Anglicised to Barnewall) continued to live in
Drimnagh Castle for almost 400 years. They were actively involved in the affairs of Ireland
and their power and influence grew until the rebellion of 1641, when the power of such
eminent Catholic families was largely destroyed by Puritan forces in Dublin. By this time the
castle had been sold on 1 February 1607 to Sir Adam Loftus, Knight of Rathfarnham and
grandson of Archbishop Adam Loftus of Armagh and Dublin. According to a census taken
around that time, the village of Drimnagh consisted of only 56 people, Crumlin 122, and
Rathfarnham 39.
In 1654 Drimnagh Castle passed into the hands of Lt. Col.Philip Fearnley, who had married
Lettice Loftus, a descendant of Adam. Over the next century or so, the castle had a variety
of owners and tenants. Some names associated with the castle include Lt. Col. Nick Hart
(1664), John Edwards (1664), Godfrey Beate (Boates?) (1721), Arthur Archer (1718-1736),
Walter Bagenal (early 18th century), Henry Earl of Shelborne (1727), and the families of
Ennis (1736), O'Reilly (1780). In 1830 the castle was recorded as being in the possession of
the Marquis of Landsdowne who leased it to the Mylott then Kavanagh family who were
resident until 1897.
In 1904 it was bought by Mr. Joseph Hatch, a wealthy local dairy farmer who held the castle
until his death in 1953. The castle was then bequeathed to the Christian Brothers in 1954,
who lived there while their new school was being built nearby. The Brothers taught local
children in the old stable block, and Mass was held in the Coach House while the Church of
the Assumption was being built in Walkinstown. Once the school was completed in 1958, the
Brothers moved out and the castle was left standing empty for almost thirty years where it
The Barnewalls:
​
The Barnewall were an Anglo-Norman family with strong ties to English royalty. Alanus de Berneval, who fought alongside William the Conqueror in 1066, later participated in the conquest of Ireland in 1172. Hugh de Berneval, surviving a massacre in Bearhaven, was granted lands in Terenure and Drimnagh in 1215. The Bernevals resided in Drimnagh Castle for over 400 years.
The family, anglicised from De Berneval, owned land and castles across Ireland, including Crickstown and Trimblestown. They played roles in Irish history, serving in Parliament and military campaigns. The family crest, featuring powerful warrior symbols and the Latin inscription "I would rather die than dishonour my name," is displayed in the restored castle.
In the early years, Roger de Barneville received lands from William the Conqueror in 1078. The family's military service and achievements in the Holy War and against the Sultan Kilidge Anslan are noted. Jordan de Barneville pledged allegiance to Philip Augustus in 1204.
Members of the Barnewall family came to Ireland, winning possessions at Bearhaven, but were mostly slain in a conspiracy by the Irish. Hugh de Barneville, studying law in England, returned and received lands from King John in 1215.
The genealogy traces from Alanus de Berneval to Reginald de Berneval, highlighting their roles in Dublin Castle, royal service, marriages, and contributions to expeditions. Reginald de Berneval died in 1331, succeeded by Ulphram, whose descendants continued to reside at Drumenagh until the reign of James I, when the line ended with heiress Elizabeth Barneval selling the property in 1607 to Sir Adam Loftus of Rathfarnham.
Adam Loftus:
A Master of Manipulation and Land Acquisition
Adam Loftus, a prominent figure in 17th-century Ireland, was a master of manipulating the political and legal systems to his advantage. His ability to capitalize on the lax oversight from London allowed him to amass significant wealth and property, often through questionable means.
One of the most notable examples of Loftus's tactics is his acquisition of Drimnagh Castle. In 1604, he secured a lease of the property from James Barnewall, later extending it to a 99-year lease. However, the rightful owner, Peter Barnewall, contested this lease in the Court of Chancery. Despite the legal challenge, Loftus, through his political influence and legal knowledge, managed to secure an injunction in 1618, effectively preventing Peter Barnewall from reclaiming his property.
Loftus's involvement in land disputes was not limited to Drimnagh. In 1613-14, he successfully challenged Sir Terence O'Dempsey over land in Portnahinch. While not all his ventures were successful, as evidenced by his failed attempt to deceive the 4th Earl of Thomond, his overall strategy of leveraging political connections and legal maneuvering proved highly effective.
By 1613, Loftus had amassed significant landholdings in counties King's, Queen's, Kildare, and Dublin. His main residence was Monasterevin, County Kildare. His wealth and influence were further solidified by his appointment as MP for King's County in the 1613-15 parliament, a position he secured after overturning the initial election result.
In 1621, Loftus's estate was valued at approximately £1,145 per year, a substantial sum for the time. This figure, however, does not account for his income from public office and the significant revenue generated from leasing land for extended periods.
Adam Loftus's story is a testament to the power of political influence and legal manipulation in 17th-century Ireland. His ability to exploit the system and amass wealth and property through questionable means highlights the challenges faced by many Irish landowners during this period.
​
1832 Edward Kavanagh
1849 – 1875 Mrs. Elizabeth Cavanagh, landholder
1876 – 1898 Mrs. Mylott
1899 – 1900 Vacant
1901 – 1904 Luke Traynor
1904 – 1950 Joseph and Hugh Hatch (Hatch Sons)
​
​
The Traynor Family Timeline
1798
-
Michael (Tranery) Traynor born in Carnew, County Wicklow
-
Traynor family roots traced to County Monaghan
1845
-
Great Famine begins in Ireland
-
Michael Traynor is a tenant farmer on the Fitzwilliam Coollattin Estate
-
Many Traynor families emigrate to Canada, the United States, and Australia
Late 1870s
-
Michael Traynor passes away
-
His son Thomas takes over the family farm in Aughrim, County Wicklow
1894
-
Thomas Traynor's son Michael falls in love with Kate Langrell
-
The couple faces social and religious opposition and elopes
1895
-
Michael and Kate Traynor marry in Dublin
-
They make their home in Drimnagh Castle
1900
-
Birth of Joseph Patrick Traynor
1903
-
Death of Thomas Traynor, son of Michael and Kate
Early 1900s
-
Joseph Patrick Traynor dies during the Irish War of Independence