What is recorded here

Glenbeha castle stood on a south-facing slope in County Tipperary until human ambition erased even its stump. A thick sandstone wall once bit the hillside, but new farm buildings and forgotten choices consumed the last visible trace. The land keeps the shape of what it lost, while people arrive with no clue that they are walking across a castle.

Located on a S-facing slope in undulating terrain. Described in the Civil Survey (1654-6) as 'a stumpe of castle' (Simington 1931, vol. 1, 14). A length of wall is described in the OS Letters as being 'twenty six feet [1.8m] in length and seven feet [2.1m] in height and seven feet [2.1m] in thickness and built of hammered sand stone cemented with lime and sand mortar' (O'Flanagan 1930, vol. 2, 91). A low, linear bank representing an overgrown section of wall is mentioned in the Ikerrin Survey (Stout 1984, 133), however this could not be located and it is possible that it was removed when new farm buildings were erected. No visible trace of this castle survives above ground. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

Built in the 14th or 15th century, Castle in Ruins, Glenbeha was likely held by a local Gaelic family, possibly the MacCarthy Reaghs, who controlled much of the surrounding area during the medieval period. It is remembered as an example of early Irish castle architecture and as a site noted in historical surveys, indicating its strategic or regional significance.

This remains an important historical record, but the official description says the monument is no longer visible or has been destroyed. The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.