What is recorded here

Rathgoonan is a castle that never existed, which is rarer and more interesting than most castles that did. Lewis believed it in 1837, every mapper refused it afterwards, and the townland still carries the shape of the mistake. People often build more around a clear absence than around a crowded fact.

Acording to Lewis (1837, 79) 'at Rathgonin are the ruins of the old castle of that name'. However, no castle is indicated in this townland on any edition of the OS map and no such castle is listed by Westropp (1906-7). Compiled by: Denis Power Date of upload: 21 August 2012

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.