What is recorded here
Clarahill castle was a Dunne family fortress built around 1600 in County Laois. They pulled it down in 1990 and scattered the stones across a local road. The building vanished into the surface beneath your feet, turning a private home into public pavement.
Unlocated castle within townland. According to Crosdaile (1959, 13), there was a fortified house known at Clarahill which belonged to the Dunne family. It was probably built about 1600 and was pulled down in 1990 when the rubble was used for road repair (Crosdaile 1959, 13-14.) However, Coolnamoney castle (LA002-018001-) which belonged to the Dunne family is close within the vicinity and they may well be one and the same site. Not located.
Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien
Date of upload: 17 December 2007
The castle at Clarahill was likely built by the Dunne family around 1600 and served as their fortified residence. It is remembered for its historical association with the prominent local Dunne family, though the structure was demolished in 1990.
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- Recorded monument
Places near here
Clarahill Househouse · 250 yd
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Church (Site of)Church · 1756 yd
Ballynakill Castle (ruins)Castle · 1.1 mi
Clonaslee Heritage Centrechurch/chapel · 1.2 mi
Kilmanman church (in Ruins), GraveyardChurch · 2.4 mi
Slieve Bloom MountainsMountain range · 4.3 mi
Red HillMountain / peak · 4.4 mi
Sitka SpruceSitka Spruce · 5.6 mi