What is recorded here

Castle is an unclassified phantom in Kilmannock, County Wexford. No castle is recorded despite centuries of noble tenure and island leases. The name may be a mistaken label for a lived estate rather than a missing tower.

Four ‘Heilandos’ (islands) ‘near the (Great) Island’ are recorded in the foundation charter of Dunbrody abbey (WX039-030001-) in the 1170s. This is thought to be Kilmannock which Raymond de Neville of Ballycanew in Gorey barony rented as Kylmehanoc from the Bigod lands in 1281-2 (Hore 1900-11, vol. 3, 39). In 1307 William de Nevel held 2.5 carucates at Kilmannock (Brooks 1950, 152). In the 18th century Kikmannock ‘with the islands thereof’ was leased by Leigh of Rosegarland (WX040-042----) to the Houghton family (Glascott 1871, 348). It is doubtful if there was ever a castle at Kilmannock. According to the Civil Survey (1654-6) 60 acres at Kilmannock was owned by Edmond Curtis in 1640, but there is no record of a castle (Simington 1953, 182). Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 28 Janury, 2013

Raymond de Neville of Ballycanew in Gorey is associated with the castle in Kilmannock in the 12th century. It is remembered in connection with the foundation charter of Dunbrody Abbey in the 1170s, reflecting early Norman influence in the area.

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