What is recorded here

Castle, unclassified stood on a high hill at the east edge of the Nore river valley, overlooking a former lake to the south and commanding views in every direction. People called it the Moat, and it may have marked the manor of Locmadran in 1247, though no castle appears in the surviving description of that poor, uncultivated place. Then quarrying removed the entire hill, erasing the very ground on which the castle and its memory stood.

On top of a high hill on the E margin of the Nore river valley, overlooking a former lake to the S. The top provides commanding views in all directions. It was known locally as the ‘Moat’. According to the field inspection report in 1987, 'the entire hill has been removed by quarrying'. Orpen (1909, vol. 39, 320-21) in his description of seignorial manors in Kilkenny in 1247 mentions the manor of 'Locmadran' which has been equated with Loughmerans. It is possible that a seignorial castle was located in this position and that was retained in folk memory. However, Orpen states that in the documentary evidence of the 'maneria' [manor] in 1247 there is no mention of a castle (ibid.). Included in a document listing the property of the manor, called the Extent Loughmethora [Locmadran], there is, 'a bretage, grange, stable, sheep-fold on posts in bad condition and ruinous." The desmesne lands are described as poor and uncultivated' (ibid.). Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 16 June 2020

Built by local nobility, likely during the medieval period, Castle in Loughmerans, though specifics are unclear; its strategic location on a high hill provided significant military advantage and panoramic views, making it important for surveillance and defense.

This remains an important historical record, but the official description says the monument is no longer visible or has been destroyed. The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.