Castle

The precise location of Cahernarry Castle and bawn (LI013-141001-) has not been identified. Westropp (1906-07, 88) recorded the following details about Cahernarry Castle; '1207 Keyrnedyn, alias Carnarthy, is named in Prince John's Charter (B.B.L., p. 89). 1320 Suit as to Ric. Bagot's rights under charter of Ric. father of J. le Moyne, at Wallygard in Carnarthy (Plea R.). 1540 Carran Fhearadhaigh in Burke estates (Rental). 1619 The C[astle]. and fort of Carnary granted to Holcroft, being late estate of George Bourke f. Tho. 1655 The lands with a C[astle]. and a beaune [bawn] held by John Bourke, &c. (D.S.A., 7 exp., C.S., xxix., p. 16'. Tower House type castle standing in 'Carnarry' (Cahernarry) is depicted on the 17th century Down Survey map of the Liberties Barony (Hib. Reg.). Castle depicted as a central block flanked by two towers on 17th century Down Survey map of Cahernarry Parish (NLI, MS. 718). The terrier of the Down Survey map of Cahernarry parish recorded that 'there is a Castle and a Bawne [LI013-141001-] on the Landes of Carnarry' (Ibid.). Cahernarry House is located in the general area where the castle is depicted on the Down Survey maps. The 1654-56 Civil Survey of Limerick recorded that John Bourke Alderman and William Bourke, Irish Papist s were the owners of Cahernarry which contained a 'castle & Bawne' (Simington 1938, 470). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 27 November 2020

Cahernarry Castle was likely built by the Keyrnedyn family, also known as the MacCathmhaoil (O'Cahan), in the early 13th century. It is remembered for its mention in historical records as an early medieval stronghold in the region.