Castle

The Down Survey (1655-6) baron map of Gowran and the parish map of 'Killmodum' show a castle in 'Cloforoke'. The terrier accompanying the parish map describes, 'on Clofforke a small Castle in good repaire with Cabbins [KK011-023002-] on both Townelandes', and 'Phillipp Pursall' is named as the proprietor. According to Carrigan (1905, vol. 3, 456), 'This townland formerly belonged to the De la Frenes, and, after them, to the Purcells of Balyfoyle. There was a castle here on the spot still called Shanachushlawn, or Old Castle. In the Down Survey Books of 1655, it is described as a small castle, and as being then "in good repair." Its foundations were uprooted several years ago'. An enclosure (KK015-033----) consisting of a raised platform enclosed by a fosse has been identified in this townland and may be associated with the castle mentioned by Carrigan, however, without sufficient evidence of this, the castle remains unlocated. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 31 January 2019