Latteragh Castle (in ruins)

Situated on high ground on a W-facing slope in a mountainous region with a nearby church (TN028-025002-) to the E. The castle probably existed by 1254 as William de Marisicis was granted a weekly market on Thursdays at his manor of Lettrach (Cal. doc. Ire., no. 404). The first reference specifically to the 'Old Castle' of Latteragh is mentioned in documents as early as 1269 (Cunningham 1987, 147). In 1284 William de Marisco held 11 carucates of land in Laterah Otheran (Cal. inq. post mortem, 321), and by 1384 John Laffan was listed as owner of the manor of Latteragh (Cal. doc. Ire., no. 269). Described in the Civil Survey 1654-6 as a 'ruined castle & a Barbicon' the proprietor in 1640 being listed as Sir John Morres (Simington 1934, vol. 2, 225). Present remains consist of a natural hillock which has been scarped and flattened on top to form a low square-shaped platform (dims. 23m E-W; 24m N-S) on top of which are the fragmentary remains of a thirteenth-century circular keep (Wall T 2.6m). A garderobe chute is the only architectural feature visible. The base of the platform is enclosed by a curtain wall (wall T 1.1m; H 3m) built with coursed rubble limestone with a nineteenth-century limekiln inserted into the S wall and a contemporary gateway to the E. A protruding wall returns from the W face of the curtain wall indicating the possible location of a rectangular building built up against it. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

Latteragh Castle was built by the de Marisicis family in the 13th century, with evidence of their presence dating to at least 1254 when William de Marisicis was granted a market. The site is historically significant as it reflects early medieval landholding and economic activity in the region.