Although Dromore Castle appears to have been built on the instructions of Denis Mahony, his father John Mahony had made the decision to build a large home earlier in the 19th century, but apparently abandoned the attempt after his yacht, returning from London with lead for the roof and wine for the cellar, sank in the Kenmare River, in view of the site of the house.
Although Dromore Castle appears to have been built under the guidance of Denis Mahony, his father John Mahony had initially planned to build a large house on the site but abandoned the project after his yacht sank in the Kenmare River while returning from London with supplies for the roof and wine cellar.