What is recorded here

Donald O'Meara built the castle in Toomevara around 1541 to resist local people and defend King's subjects, turning priory land into a weapon. By 1597 only a butt and thatched ruined chambers remained, proving even proud stone forgets itself quickly. The missing location does not diminish the intent: a man shaped stone to draw a line between ownership and exile.

Unlocated castle within the village of Toomevara that is described in 1541 when Donald O'Meara the last Warden of the Augustinian priory (TN022-070002-) was 'building a castle there as well to resist the Irish there as for the defence of the King's sibjects' (Gleeson 1951-2, 133). The property of the priory is listed as containing one 'castle and other buildings on the site and 150 acres arable and 50 pasture in the town of Toume' (Gleeson 1951-2, 133). In 1597 the castle was described as the 'butt of a ruined castle with certain ruined chambers thatched' (Gleeson 1951-2, 133). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

Donald O'Meara, the last Warden of the Augustinian Priory of Toomevara, was building the castle in 1541 to resist local Irish forces. It is remembered as a symbol of the tensions between Anglo-Norman religious authorities and native Irish during the 16th century.

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