What is recorded here

Castle and bawn in Ballymacreese, County Limerick, changed hands from H. Holcroft in 1621 to the Duke of York in 1668 and Abraham Greene in 1703, yet its exact spot has never been identified. The names suggest a small fortified house, a courtyard, and the ordinary business of ownership passing through Ireland’s turbulent centuries. What is missing is not importance but visibility: the castle may still lie under a field, road or garden, waiting for someone to notice the shape of the land.

The precise location of a castle and bawn (LI014-096001-) in the townland of Ballymacreese has not been identified. Westropp (1906-07, 92) recorded the following details about Ballymacreese; '1621 H. Holcroft was granted C[astle]. and bawn of Ballymcrice in Clanwilliam (Pat. R., No. xxxiv. ). 1668 Granted to Duke of York. 1703 Sold to Abraham Greene'. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 1 December 2020

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.