Castle Ellen was built in 1810, and was home to the Lambert family
for many generations. Branches of this family lived throughout the
area, and a book, "The Lamberts of Athenry" by Finbarr O'Regan was
produced in conjunction with Carnaun National School. More information
about this project can be found at
the Carnaun School
website.
A detailed genealogical study of the Lambert family can be found at
Andy Lambert's
Lambert Family Homepage.
The most famous member of the Lambert family was undoubtedly
Edward Carson. Known as the architect of Northern Ireland, his mother
was Isabella Lambert, and young Edward spent much of his holidays in
Castle, playing hurley with the local Cussaun team. To find out more why not watch this wonderful two part TG-4 documentary.
Micheal would like to extend a special thanks to the wonderful people at TG-4 and the production company involved in 'Cé a Chónaigh i mo Theachsa' le Manchán Magan. This is truly a world class production.
Carson went on to become Solicitor
General for Ireland, then England, was knighted as Baron Carson of
Duncairn, and become the leader of the Ulster Unionist party.
Before being purchased by Michael Keaney in 1974, the house was
unoccupied for a number of years. During this period, it had a brief
career as a school house while Carnaun National School was being
refurbished in 1961. Many of the then pupils have cherished
memories of attending school in Castle Ellen!
Michael is proud of Castle Ellen's lineage, and during the
summer months he runs a small museum in the house. He is conscious
of the link between Castle Ellen and northern unionism, and he wrote
to Sir Paddy Mayhew about this, when he was the Northern Secretary,
outlining the role that Castle Ellen could play in the peace process.
Sir Paddy replied, as Gaeilge, acknowledging the importance of
the house.
Castle Ellen's story continues onwards into the future, as the Keaney
family, and the many visitors, create
their own history with each passing year. Who knows what part Castle
Ellen will have to play in the 21st Century.
Castle Ellen was built in 1810, and was home to the Lambert family
for many generations. Branches of this family lived throughout the
area, and a book, "The Lamberts of Athenry" by Finbarr O'Regan was
produced in conjunction with Carnaun National School. More information
about this project can be found at
the Carnaun School
website.
The most famous member of the Lambert family was undoubtedly
Edward Carson. Known as the architect of Northern Ireland, his mother
was Isabella Lambert, and young Edward spent much of his holidays in
Castle, playing hurley with the local Cussaun team. To find out more why not watch this wonderful two part TG-4 documentary.
Micheal would like to extend a special thanks to the wonderful people at TG-4 and the production company involved in 'Cé a Chónaigh i mo Theachsa' le Manchán Magan. This is truly a world class production.
Before being purchased by Michael Keaney in 1974, the house was
unoccupied for a number of years. During this period, it had a brief
career as a school house while Carnaun National School was being
refurbished in 1961. Many of the then pupils have cherished
memories of attending school in Castle Ellen!
Michael is proud of Castle Ellen's lineage, and during the
summer months he runs a small museum in the house. He is conscious
of the link between Castle Ellen and northern unionism, and he wrote
to Sir Paddy Mayhew about this, when he was the Northern Secretary,
outlining the role that Castle Ellen could play in the peace process.
Sir Paddy replied, as Gaeilge, acknowledging the importance of
the house.