What is recorded here

Castle Ellis in Gowran, County Kilkenny, vanished when the Clifden family demolished it and scattered its stones through other local buildings. The castle gave the townland its name, but it left no standing tower behind. What remains is a ghost in the landscape, its walls reborn in ordinary walls and hedges.

According to Drennan (1965, 53) the castle to which Castle Ellis townland got its name was demolished by the Clifden family and the masonry used in other structures. The name 'CASTLE ELLIS' appears on White's map of 1710/11 SW of the town but this is likely to refer to the townland of the same name and is not an indication of where a castle was located. It has been suggested that Castle Ellis may relate to Ballyshanemore Castle (KK020-061001-), a tower house which is located c. 400m SE of Castle Ellis bridge (Manning 2006, 71-6). Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 25 March 2021

The castle in Castle Ellis townland was associated with the Clifden family, who demolished it, reportedly reusing its masonry in other buildings. It is remembered for its historical presence in the area and its appearance on White's 1710 map.

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