Theobald Walsh of Carrickmines had not intended to defend his castle.
The commander of the besieging forces, Sir Simon Harcourt, had not
planned to attack it. Yet, in March 1642, the castle was destroyed and
hundreds of occupants massacred. How did this come to pass? Ranging
across the areas of Shanganagh, Kilgobbin and Balally in south County
Dublin, and Old Court and Killincarrig in County Wicklow, and parts of
the continent, Mark Clinton explores this fascinating story of family,
feuds and, ultimately, ruin.