Drakerath Castle

A castle at Drakerath (158) in Staholmog parish and Kells barony is depicted on the Down Survey (1656-8) barony and parish maps (http://downsurvey.tcd.ie/). According to the Civil Survey (1654-6) John Drake of Drakerath owned 360 acres there in 1640 and ‘an old castle’ was on the property (Simington 1940, 310). The castle is depicted as one structure in a farm complex on the 1836 ed. of the OS 6-inch map and as a fragment of wall on the 1908 ed. It is on a slight rise in a fairly level landscape but is not visible at ground level in pasture. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Meath' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1987). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of revision: 8 June 2016

Drakerath Castle was built or held by John Drake in the mid-17th century, as recorded in the Civil Survey of 1654–5. It is remembered as part of the historical landscape of Staholmog parish and reflects the presence of English settlers in the Down Survey period.