Castle

The precise location of Rathskeagh Castle has not been identified. The castle is depicted on the 1655-9 Down Survey map of Rathconrath barony (NLI, MS 723-4). The terrier of the Down Survey parish map of Killare stated that in 'Clare, Dooneild, Rathskeagh, Killinbrack, Bishopsland Ballikenny on each of them stands a Castle' (ibid.). On this map the castle stood on lands belonging to Edward Fitzgerald who is listed as an 'Irish papist' (ibid.). Rathskeagh castle is depicted on this parish map as a tower house type structure standing beside a medieval roadway. The castle is not depicted on any edition of the OS 6-inch maps. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 11 October 2016

Rathskeagh Lower Castle was likely built in the 17th century, as indicated by its appearance on the Down Survey maps of 1655–59. Its significance lies in its historical record as part of the Rathconrath barony, offering insight into early modern landholding patterns in the region.