Clogrenan Castle

On the Laois-Carlow border. Sited at a former important crossing point on the River Barrow. Sketch by Thomas Dineley (1680) shows a large house of five floors, with three decorative gables at the front and crenellated parapet at the sides. Sketch dated 1790 shows ruins in remarkably similar condition to a photograph taken in 1870. Derelict buildings were surveyed in 1911, a major part of which collapsed or were demolished in 1931. The original castle was probably rebuilt after Carew's seige of 1569. Present 'Gothic' style arch and windows probably belong to the late eighteenth century refurbishment. In 1806 work commenced on Clogrenan House and the former 'castle' was transformed into the entrance way to the demesne. Unlikely that much of fifteenth or sixteenth century survived to 1911. Some overgrown foundations still survive, including a small portion of the entrance way, all of which appear to belong to the eighteenth century refurbishment. (JRSAI 1862-3, 43; JKAS 1915-17, 56-62; OPW file). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007 This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 3/1995).

Clogrenan Castle was likely built in the 17th century by a local landowning family, possibly the Barnewall family, who held significant estates in the area. It is remembered for its strategic location at a key crossing point on the River Barrow and for its impressive architectural features depicted in Thomas Dineley's 1680 sketch.