English: Castles of Munster: Desmond Hall (Castle Banqueting Hall), Newcastle West, Limerick The castle remains at Newcastle West survive as separate entities. This is Desmond Hall that was created from a 13c chapel, and used for banquets and entertainment. It comprises a lower vaulted chamber and an upper hall. It underwent further rebuilding in the 15c. The castle was confiscated after the Desmond Rebellions, and granted in 1591 to Sir William Courtenay. In 1598 it was captured by the "sugan" Earl of Desmond, but was recaptured by the English in 1599. The castle was surrendered in 1643 after a four month siege by the Confederate Catholics, and burnt. This is the first of a second series on the (mostly) hidden castles, tower houses, and fortified houses of Munster that I began in 2007 with castles in Co. Cork, and resumed this year in June 2009 to also include Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, and Waterford (just to be awkward, some from Kilkenny in Leinster are also included!). As most of these buildings are on private land, I anticipated that access might be a problem, however due to the exceptional generosity and helpfulness of all the tenants and landowners I met, this was never an issue. Permission to photograph on private land was always sought before entering, and without exception, was always granted. Two books "The Castles of South Munster" and "The Castles of North Munster" by Mike Salter are the two main sources used for the historical and architectural details.