Castle (in ruinis)

Richard Sutton of Fethard and his wife, Agatha, received a grant of land at Clonard in 1379 (Hore 1945, 50), which the Suttons held down to the 17th century. According to the Civil Survey (1655-6) Nicholas Sutton owned 98 acres at Great Clonard in 1641, together with 430 acres elsewhere in St. Peter’s parish (Simington 1953, 299). The castle is situated on a level, low-lying landscape and survives to the top of the E-W barrel vault (H 4.3m), although lacking the W wall (ext. dims. 6.9m N-S; at least 7m E-W). No quoins survive and there is no evidence of the original entrance or of a stairs to the upper floors. The walls have no base-batter and the only features at the ground floor are two blocked lights in the E wall. The first floor under the vault has one small rectangular window with no dressed stone in the E wall, and its floor was supported on joists set directly into the N and S walls. 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: 27 May, 2013

Clonard Great Castle was held by the Sutton family from at least 1379, when Richard Sutton received a land grant there, through to the 17th century. It is remembered as a long-held family estate in the region, reflecting the Suttons' local influence and continuity over several centuries.