During the
Plantation of Ulster the castle at Tandragee became the property of Sir Oliver St John,
Lord Deputy of Ireland. He rebuilt the original stronghold of the
O'Hanlon Clan. During the
Irish Rebellion of 1641, however, the O'Hanlons attempted to regain their lands – the result was the castle being ruined; it remained so for two hundred years. Tandragee Castle underwent reconstruction around 1837, following its destruction during the Irish Rebellion of 1641, commissioned by
George Montagu, the 6th Duke of Manchester. In 1928, Alexander Montagu, 10th Duke of Manchester, left the castle until the outbreak of World War II.
World War II In 1943, Alexander Montagu leased Tandragee Castle to the
United States Army for use during World War II. Reports suggest that
General George S. Patton was a visitor to the castle in 1943. While inspecting troops in Northern Ireland, he was guest of honour at a dance in the castle.
Present day The castle and estate were sold by Alexander Montagu, 10th Duke of Manchester (who was born at Tandragee) in the 1950s, and it was purchased by Thomas Hutchinson, a businessman from Tandragee who founded
Tayto. Today, the castle houses offices for the Tayto
potato crisp factory and the park's
demesne incorporates a golf course. ==References==