The Chandelier in Swords Castle

These pictures are of a chandelier commissioned by Fingal County Council from Michael Killen for Swords Castle (which dates from the 13th Century), just north of Dublin. The castle was the original residence for the first Anglo Norman archbishop of Dublin, John Comyn. His reign lasted form 1181 to 1212.

The chandelier is located in the Constable's Tower (which dates from the 14th century). It is made from Oak and is comprised of 3 intersecting decorated beams with carved heads at each end (6 individual heads in total). It measures 2 meters in diameter and is suspended form the ceiling by a carved post and chain. Cathal Murray and Larry Gaffrey of Fingal County Council constructed the chandelier. The heads and decorations were designed and sculpted by Michael. His brief in the commission was to create a work that would complement the 14th century Tower.

Restoration work on Swords Castle is ongoing and this is the second commission that Michael has completed for the project.