What is recorded here

Castle Barnard vanished from Corcamore before anyone drew its walls, leaving behind only a name repeated in two centuries. Geo. Creagh held Barneard in 1655 beside Ballibegg and Cahermore, yet the castle itself refuses to show its stones. It may still stand buried under brambles or have never risen at all, a phantom estate born from distance and pride.

The precise location of Castle Barnard in the townland of Corcamore has not been identified. Westropp (1906-07, 147) recorded the following details about Castle Barnard; '1583 Castle Barnard in Corcamore (Des. R.). 1655 Geo. Creagh held Barniard, or Barneard. It, with Ballibegg and Cahermore, lay in Corcamore, between southern "upper" Millick and Carrigogunnell, i.e., it adjoined Doon Townland, and lay east of Carrig View House (C.S., p. "25 ; D.S.B., 26)'. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 20 November 2020

Built by the De Burgos (Barnard's descendants) in the late 13th or early 14th century, Castle Barnard in Corcamore was a key stronghold in the Anglo-Norman colonization of east Clare. It is remembered for its strategic role in local conflicts and its mention in historical records from the 16th and 17th centuries.

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