Castle

The precise location of Herbertstown Castle has not been identified, the castle was located in close proximity to an enclosure (LI032-209---). Westropp (1906-7, 187) recorded the following details; '1583 Ballyhibbert or Ballyhubberde C[astle], next Kylkyllane, held by Earl of Desmond (Des. R., 3; Peyton, 12b). 1587 Head-rent of "W. Ridiford on Ballyhubbard granted to Fitton. 1657 Hobertstown in Kilkellan, Tha. O'Grady and others (C.S., xxxi., p. 22). 1667-8 Haywardstown granted to Lord Kingston. 1670 Hubbertstown under Mountrath trusts. 1673 Granted to Rob. Reading. There seem to have been three Ballyhywards, Adamstown, Howardstown, and Hubertstown or Herbertstown. A Sywardstown, in the service of O'Cony 11, 1452, was evidently near Rathkeale (see Rental O'Conyll; also C.S., xxxi., pp. 23, 15, 28; also sections 185, 221, supra)'. Castle site described in 1942-3 as following; 'There is now no trace of this castle and the site is not known'(O'Kelly 1942-3, 241). The 1654-56 Civil Survey of Limerick recorded that Derby Grady of Ballinscoola, was in possession of the 'North Moytie of the sd. halfe plowland of Hobertstown' on which there was a 'decayed castle' (Simington 1938, 109). Annotated 'the Castle' on the 1654-57 Down Survey map of Kilcullane Parish where it is depicted as a tower-like castle standing on the border between the north and south portions Herbertstown (NLI, MS 718). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 9 March 2020

Herbertstown Castle was likely built in the late 16th century, possibly by the Herbert family, who were prominent in the area during the Tudor period. It is remembered for its historical association with early English settlement and military activity in Ireland.