History of Castle Ellen

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. Through him Oscar Wilde came to visit Castle Ellen, when they were students at Trinity college together. Perhaps Wilde was the first writer to be inspired there!

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.

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