Markree Castle History, County Sligo

Markree Castle
For 350 years the Cooper family have been living at Markree Castle. Their story is a journey through time, starting in the 16th century with the invasion of Ireland by Cromwell.

The young officer, Edward Cooper, was serving under Cromwell when his army defeated the mighty O'Brien Clan. O'Brien himself lost his life in this battle and Edward married his widow M�ire Rua (Red Mary). With her and her two sons he went to live at Luimneach Castle in Limerick, which is now a ruin. She had her two sons take the name of Cooper as protection from the English invaders. Cromwell's army marched on, further northwards in spite of the fact that he did not have the means to pay his officers. Instead, he gave them large pieces of land. Thus, he gave Markree Castle and the surrounding grounds to Edward Cooper.
The Castle Man