Meet the kings of their very own castle

AS a child, Oranmore Castle held an irresistible fascination for me. The imposing castle at the Head of Galway Bay holds court over the picturesque village of Oranmore, made famous in song and in story.

My childhood friends and I spent many summer evenings playing make-believe games in the intriguing grounds of the castle. It was the perfect place to re-invent the world of Kings and Queens. We engaged in battle with wooden swords and dared each other to climb the terrifying turrets.

When the flag was flying, though, we knew that Commander King and his family were in residence, so we kept a low profile.

I wondered about the girl and boy who lived there, and wished I were friends with them so I could go inside the fairytale castle.

Some 30 years later, here I am sitting in the Great Hall with Leonie King, who is clearing up after the night before.

I imagine there should be a couple of serfs about, or a servant or two at least. But alas, there is not.

Commander King has just celebrated his 93rd birthday and what better venue to do so, than here in the Great Hall?

The massive fireplace holds centre stage-all that is missing is a boar or a pig on the spit. The stag's head lends an aura of authority to the room, as does the soldier standing to attention in his suit of armour at the entrance to the hall.

Time seems to have stood still in the massive dining room which serves as a living room and a function room as well.

Silver goblets adorn the creaking oak dining table, which sits on the sturdy flagstones. The altar mantel, which came from St Mary's Church built in 1803, has acquired a new occupation. Various bottles and cocktails sit on the austere shelves, daring to be disturbed.

A mandolin sits idly by the mantel, waiting to be summoned.

Many a muse and musician's strains echoed throughout the hall over the centuries. Tradition has carried on. Leonie's husband, Alex Finn of the folk group, De Danaan often plays a merry tune for the occupants and the guests of the castle.

Oranmore Castle was built sometime around the fifteenth century, possibly on the site of an older castle. It was a strong hold of he Clanicardes who were a prominent Norman family of Galway.

After the second world war, Commander Bill King, writer and explorer, married a beautiful Irish woman, Anita Leslie of the Castle Leslie family in County Monaghan. They raised two children, Leonie, and her brother Tarka.

So what was it really like growing up in a castle?

"Very damp," says Leonie.

"The hardest part of living here has always been trying to heat the castle and of course maintaining it. "Today we live in the West Wing and we occupy the bedrooms facing West.

"And yes. Lots of my school friends couldn't wait to be asked home for supper, or for the weekend. They thought it was fantastic to sleep over in a real castle that had turrets, and cells for bedrooms. What an adventure."

"As teenagers some of us practiced the medieval habit of sleeping by the fireside. At least we kept warm," says Leonie.

The three double bedrooms are downstairs. The main bathroom has authentic Balinese doors, and there is also an en suite bathroom. The psychedelic bathroom was painted in 1970 by some hippies 'on a trip' who thought Oranmore Castle was a cool scene.

The kitchen is the heart of the castle and it is old fashioned and serviceable. Centuries ago it was the place where the day's business was discussed over breakfast. The families and their workers shared their meals, and it was here in the evening, the household gathered by the fireside to take stock of the day's events.

The little scullery, or galley, is used to prepare vegetables or to hang poultry which is not destined for the spit of yesteryear, but for the barbeque.

There is no evidence here of labour-saving devices or micro-wave ovens. Instead the aga-cooker buzzes merrily. The collected treasures, including a platinum record disc, adorn the stone, but brightly painted walls. Built-in cupboards and shelves are incorporated to serve as herb boxes and food stores.

The view from the latticed window greets a snug porch, with ancient roses draped around a gabled portico. A portrait of Commander King's grandchildren looks out onto the back garden, which is a coloured jungle of flourishing blooms.

The piece de- la- resistance within the walls of the castle is without question the conservatory. This is one structure no one would expect to find in a 15th century castle.

It was constructed in the late 80s by Leonie and Alex to take advantage of the full view of Galway Bay and to let in the bright sunshine into the upstairs studio room.

The studio lends itself to creativity, where inspiration for poetry and prose bubbles to the surface.

It is no wonder that Oranmore Castle was once the home of two notable writers, Commander King and his wife, Anita.

The panoramic view from the castle takes in the moods of the elements, where sea and sky come together in many hues of blue, purple and grey.

The sun-room, or the conservatory of the castle is a pot-pourri of magnificent exotic plants, trickling water, and wonderful artefacts collected over the years from foreign lands. Beautiful batiks and rich tapestries celebrate their exquisite surroundings.

The chaise longue takes pride of place.

Scattered with comfortable cushions, it is the perfect perch to while away a summer's evening. A sanctuary of sun and pungent aromas enslaves anybody who cares to amble thorough this haven.

The 'cells' or bedrooms are cosy with little porticos for windows.

The stone staircase winds up to the prettily decorated rooms. The corridor is narrow and unyielding. It is a different world from the sun room in the West Wing.

Shadows dance and doors creak. But the wind and dimming light only wish to play tricks.

Leonie and Alex enjoy living in the castle.

It is a place to entertain, to enjoy and to celebrate.

The child in me still wants to climb up the turrets.

"I'll race you", shouts Leonie.

And we head towards the tower.

Well, I always did fancy myself as Rapunzel.