Caisleán Traigh-bhaile later known as Cloghatrad-Bally and more recently, Glandore Castle, is the earliest known castle to be built by the Barrett Welshmen in Ireland. The earliest reference to the Barret name in Ireland appears to be in MacCarthaigh’s book which lists Norman castles in Desmond in 1214, including “A castle by Barrett in the village above Glandore”.
Glandore (Cuan Dair = ‘Harbour of the Oaks’) in West Cork, is one of Ireland’s most picturesque coastal villages. Both of its Norman castles, in good condition, have been inhabited continuously, from the early 13th century up to the present day. The Norman castles on the harbours of Desmond were seemingly placed with a view to the domination of that part of the kingdom of Cork (originally granted to De Cogan) that had yet to be brought under control. These castles, in their original form, were simple motte and bailey structures that could be built in just a few weeks (to shelter men, horses and supplies). De Cogan’s chief followers were the Barrett family.
William Barrett, a descendant, joined with Burke, Carew and other Normans in a further adventure in Mayo where, in addition to his land at Glandore in County Cork, he became the Baron of Tirawley. “William of Glandore” was most likely the son of William Barrett of Pembrooke (the first invader with de Carew).
Uilic, an early Irish form of “William”, was a popular name among the Barretts. MacUlic was adopted by the Barretts in Cork in honor of this early ancestor William, who lived in the 13th century.
In 1261, at the Battle of Callan, which saw Gael triumph over Gall, Glandore Castle was lost to the O’Donovan, chief of Clann-Loughlin:
In August 1261, a great army was marched by the Clann-Gerald (Geraldines) into Desmond, to attack the MacCárthaigh (Finín). Mac Cárthaigh attacked and defeated them, and in this contest were slain eight noble barons, 15 knights, besides others of the English nobles as well as John FtizThomas, and Barrach Mór (Barry More). Countless numbers of the common English soldiers were also killed in the aforesaid battle.
By 1281, William Barrett of Glandore was a sub-tenant of the Butlers in “Aylle” (i.e. the territory of Ealla), which may account for the Barrett / Uí Chaoimh friction there.
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