Castle

According to Hore (1900-11, vol. 5, 428-9) David le Harpur held three caracutes of the de Valence property in 1323-4 but it passed to the Hore family through the marriage of his daughter, Agatha, to William Hore of Horetown (WX041-048----) in 1309, and the Hores retained it thereafter. References to the castle date from 1526 (Jeffrey 1979, 76 7), and William Hore owned the castle and 120 acres at Harperstown in 1640 (Simington 1953, 143, 163), but he also owned 360 acres with Traceystown castle (WX041-002----) and 300 acres with Ardenagh castle (WX041-020----) in Taghmon parish (ibid. 84). It is situated on a gentle W-facing slope. Parts of the castle were said to be incorporated into Harperstown House (Hore 1900-11, vol. 5, 428-9), but no remains of a medieval structure is visible in the ruins of what was probably an 18th century mansion. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 19 March, 2013

David le Harpur held land in the de Valence estate in the early 14th century, and the property later passed to the Hore family through the marriage of his daughter Agatha to William Hore. The castle is remembered for its connection to these prominent medieval landowning families.