The town of Macroom has developed as a result of its position at the meeting
between the Lee and Sullane rivers. A successful blend of modern and traditional,
Macroom still displays signs of its past. The walls of Macroom castle still dominate
the town centre. Interestingly the ancestors of William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania,
at one time occupied this castle which is now in ruins. Other inhabitants were
the Earls of Bandon and Bantry and latterly the well-known Lady Ardilaun, sister
of the late Earl of Bantry. She was a glamorous figure who, with her husband Arthur
Guinness MP (of brewing fame), moved in literary circles, counting Yeats and the
other members of the Anglo-Irish Literary movement among her friends. When the
castle was burnt during the War of Independence, Lady Ardilaun sold it to the
Irish people. The structure stayed there until the 1960s when it was declared
dangerous and subsequently demolished. Similarly, the remains of other castles,
usually McCarthy strongholds, and the elegant residences of the British landowners
poignantly reflect another age.
Curiously, Macroom was a significant centre of British power and yet also remained
closely bonded with the neighbouring Muskerry Gaeltacht - an Irish speaking region
where the Gaelic tradition dominates. Its history is one which is occupied by
British aristocrats alongside notable Irish literary figures.
The Irish piece 'Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoighire' (The Lament of Art O'Leary) was
written by Eibhlín Dubh Uí Chonaill. This work is widely respected as a literary
masterpiece and tells the 18th century tale of the wealthy young man from Raleigh
House, Airt Uí Laoighire, who travelled to Europe where he fought in the Austrian
Army. Marie-Therese, the Empress of Austria, presented him with a horse in thanks
for his service and on his return he met and fell in love with Eibhlín. The penal
laws of the time stated that no-one could own a horse of more than £5 value. When
he was caught and required to sell the horse for that amount, he refused and went
on the run. Shortly afterwards he was found and shot. The riderless horse returned
to Raleigh House and on seeing this, Eibhlín realised what had happened and wrote
the Lament.
There are some who believe that Macroom was the first town in Ireland to receive
electric street lighting. In 1899 the nearby Bealick Mill began to provide power
to the town and if it was not the first town, it was certainly one of the earliest
in the country.
Macroom today is a popular inclusion in many tourist itineraries. On the main
Cork to Killarney route, it is an ideal place to stop. There is a regular street
market as well as an adequate selection of shops and restaurants. The 'Wild West'
festival in August is a well supported event offering music and street entertainment.
