Lecan Castle (Castle Forbes)

Home of the MacFirbis Scholars and Birthplace of the Great Book of Lecan

If the O’Dubhda castles represent the military power of the clan, Lecan Castle represents its intellectual legacy. This was the home of the MacFirbis family — hereditary poets, historians, and chroniclers who served the O’Dubhda for generations. It was here, in the territory of Tír Fhiacrach near modern Enniscrone, that one of the most important manuscripts in Irish history was created: the Great Book of Lecan.

Today, almost nothing remains of the castle. A small piece of wall in Carrowhubbock North and a flat stone in the nearby “Castle” field, known locally as “McFerbis’ desk,” are the only physical traces. But the intellectual legacy that flowed from this place is immeasurable.

I. Overview: The MacFirbis Scholars

The MacFirbis (Mac Firbhisigh) were a celebrated family of historians and antiquaries in Connacht. They belonged to the Uí Fiachrach and served as hereditary poets and chroniclers to the O’Dubhda chiefs. The relationship between the two families was one of mutual dependence: the O’Dubhda provided patronage and protection, while the MacFirbis preserved and legitimised the clan’s history, genealogies, and claims to authority.

The MacFirbis family settled at Lacken, in the parish of Kilglass, County Sligo, which remained their home until 1608. The castle known as Lecan (or Castle Forbes, or Lacken Castle) was built by Ciothruadh MacFirbis in 1560, though the family’s association with this area long predates the current structure.

The inaugural ceremony of each succeeding O’Dowd was presided over by a MacFirbis — a direct demonstration of how tightly the clan’s political and cultural institutions were intertwined.

II. The Storied Past: The Great Book of Lecan

A. The Manuscript

The Great Book of Lecan (Leabhar Mór Leacain) is a medieval Irish manuscript written between 1397 and 1418 at this location. It is one of the most important surviving sources for Irish history, genealogy, mythology, and law. The manuscript contains a detailed account of the inauguration ceremony of the O’Dubhda Taoiseach, among a vast wealth of other material. The book is now preserved in the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin.

B. Duald MacFirbis — The Last Great Scholar

The MacFirbis family produced other major works, including the Leabhar na nGenealach (Book of Genealogies), compiled by Duald MacFirbis around 1650. Duald was the last of the great MacFirbis scholars. Born at Lecan in the latter part of the 16th century, he studied law and history across Munster and Clare, and later assisted Sir James Ware with his historical works. He died in 1670 at Dunflin, County Sligo — reportedly from wounds received while protecting a young woman from assault at a local inn.

III. What Remains Today

Very little survives of Lecan Castle. According to local accounts recorded in the Duchás Schools’ Collection, all that is to be seen is a small piece of wall in Carrowhubbock North. There is also a flat stone in the “Castle” field which is called “McFerbis’ desk” — a local tradition that preserves the memory of the scholarly work that once took place here.

The near-total disappearance of the physical structure makes this site a strong candidate for archaeological investigation. Ground-penetrating radar or LiDAR survey could potentially reveal the full footprint of the castle and any associated buildings.

IV. Visiting

Lecan Castle is located in the Carrowhubbock North area near Enniscrone, County Sligo, in the parish of Kilglass, barony of Tireragh. Access has not been confirmed — the remains are likely on private farmland. If you plan to visit, please seek permission from the local landowner.

The nearby town of Enniscrone offers accommodation and access to other O’Dubhda heritage sites including Enniscrone Castle.

Sources

• “The Book of Lecan” — Royal Irish Academy
• Duchás.ie Schools’ Collection — local accounts of Lecan Castle remains
• “Duald MacFirbis” — Library Ireland biography
• O’Dowd — Wikipedia

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