MacCarthy of Muskerry

MacCarthy of Muskerry is a branch of the Gaelic Irish MacCarthy dynasty from Munster in southwest Ireland. This line began in the 14th century and became known for ruling the territory of Muskerry, with strong roots around County Cork.

 Origins 
The MacCarthy of Muskerry branch was founded by Dermot MacCarthy, the second son of Cormac MacCarthy Mor, King of Desmond.O'Hart 1892, p. 122, top. "Cormac MacCarty Mor, Prince of Desmond (see the MacCarty Mór Stem, No. 115,) had a second son, Dermod Mór, of Muscry (now Muskerry) who was the ancestor of MacCarthy, lords of Muscry and earls of Clan Carthy." In 1353, Dermot became the Lord of Muskerry, establishing a separate line under the broader MacCarthy family.O'Hart 1892, p. 122, left column, line 3. "... created, by the English, in 1353 'Lord of Muskerry';"

 Lords and titles 
Over time, the Lords of Muskerry gained new titles through English law:

 Charles MacCarthy, who succeeded in 1616, became the 1st Viscount Muskerry and Baron of Blarney in 1628.
 His son, Donough MacCarthy, was made Earl of Clancarty.

These titles showed how the family adapted from Gaelic to English nobility.

 Lands and strongholds 
The MacCarthys held lands along the River Lee in both East and West Muskerry, west of Cork city. Some of their famed castles include:

 Blarney Castle, which they enlarged.
 Kilcrea Castle along with the nearby Kilcrea Friary, both built by Cormac Laidir MacCarth*, the 9th Lord of Muskerry. They also controlled other hilltop castles in the region.

One famous piece of history is the Blarney Stone, once owned by the MacCarthys. It passed out of their hands after the Williamite War when their noble titles and lands were lost.

 Decline 
In 1691, Donough MacCarthy, the 4th Earl of Clancarty, supported James II during the Williamite War in Ireland. After being defeated, he was attainted, meaning the family lost their titles and estates. With the loss of Earl of Clancarty, Viscount Muskerry, and Baron Blarney, the family no longer had noble status.Cokayne 1913, p. 217, line 3: "... his immense estates (worth at their now value £200 000 a year) having been forfeited, and he himself attainted, when all his honours became forfeited, 11 May 1691."

 Legacy 
Though their political power declined, the MacCarthy of Muskerry line left a strong cultural and architectural legacy. Their castles and friary remain iconic landmarks in Cork, and their story reflects how Gaelic lords transitioned into and were swept away by changing political tides.

 References 




  – S to T
  – Canonteign to Cutts




Category:1353 establishments
Category:Dynasties