The original building dates to the thirteenth century when it was owned by the MacSweens.
Wu-Tang Clan | The Sweeney | Sweeney Todd | clan | Tokugawa clan | Shimazu clan | Clan Mackay | Taira clan | Clan Cameron | Minamoto clan | Scottish clan chief | Scottish clan | Julia Sweeney | John Sweeney | Clan Sweeney | Terry Sweeney | Sweeney's Men | Satake clan | Oda clan | Hōjō clan | Fujiwara clan | Clan Ross | Clan Murray | Asakura clan | Uesugi clan | Sweeney 2 | Mōri clan | Clan Donald | Clan | Azai clan |
The clan itself takes its name from a Niall who lived in the 13th or early 14th century, and who belonged to the same dynastic family of Cowal and Knapdale as the ancestors of the Lamonts, MacEwens of Otter, Maclachlans, and the MacSweens.
From father's side, In 1684, the English-held government, fearful of the Mac Sweeney clan, placed a garrison in Doe Castle, County Donegal, commanded by Major Gustavus Hamilton.
Within Muskerry, prominent non-MacCarthy Gaelic families included the MacSweeneys, O'Learys, O'Healys, and O'Riordans.
Murchadh was a son of Maol Mhuire an Sparáin, son of Suibhne, eponymous ancestor of the Clann Suibhne.
The English word "sept" is most accurate in referring to a subgroup within a large clan, particularly when that group has taken up residence outside of their clan's original territory (e.g. the O'Neills, MacSweeneys, and O'Connors).