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.