Castle

On low-lying ground on the S bank of the River Fergus. This was the main residence of the O’Brien kings of Thomond from the 13th to the 16th centuries. An earthen stronghold built by Conchobhar Ó Briain c. AD 1267 and burnt in AD 1311 is recorded in the Caithréim Thoirdhealbhaigh (cited in Ó Dálaigh 1987 and 2012). An earlier earthen stronghold (CL033-085005-) had existed on the N bank of the river built by Donnachad Cairprech Ó Briain c. 1210. A tower house (CL033-085001-) was built on this site S of the river c. 1470 and by 1558 a large mansion (CL033-085002-) had been attached. (Ó Dálaigh 1987, 20-22; 2012, 15) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 23 April 2014

Built by Conchobhar Ó Briain around AD 1267, the ringwork in Clonroad More served as an important stronghold for the O’Brien kings of Thomond, reflecting their power and influence in the region from the 13th to the 16th centuries.