Leamaneh Burg / Leamaneh Castle

Leamaneh Castle was built in the late 15^th century by the Clan O'Brien as a simple tower house. Murrough O'Brien bowed to Henry VIII. in 1543 and was allowed to keep his possessions. In 1639 his great-grandson Conor O'Brien married Mary MacNamara (Máire Nic Mhathúna), who became one of the most infamous women in the folklore of the island. The couple had the tower house enlarged to a four-story house. After Conor's death Mary married Cornet John Cooper, a soldier in the service of Oliver Cromwell, to be able to continue living in the house. Her son Donagh moved the family residence to Dromoland Castle in 1685. Afterwards several occupants lived in Leamaneh Castle, but it deteriorated until the end of the 18^th century.

Rumours were told that Mary MacNamara, who was also called "Red Mary" (Máire Rua), had done unspeakable cruelties. She lost her live by violence, too, and her ghost is purported to haunt the house and its surroundings.