What is recorded here

Graiguefrahane stood as a Purcell castle on high Tipperary ground, its rectangular walls aligned north-south before disappearing entirely from the living landscape. The old Castle of Cloghleigh likely hosted proud Purcell gatherings or anxious watches against passing threats, yet even its shadow has faded. Only a fortified house remains nearby to mark the loss, leaving the castle itself as a forgotten room in the memory of the land.

Situated on high ground in undulating countryside with a fortified house (TN035-030----) to the NW. Cited as a Purcell castle in the OS Letters where it is described as the 'old Castle of Cloghleigh' (O'Flanagan 1930, vol. 1, 181). Depicted as a rectangular structure with its long axis aligned N-S on the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map. On the revised OS 6-inch map only the N wall and N section of the W wall and N return of the NE angle of the castle walls were depicted. No visible remains at ground level. 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. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 19 September 2016

Built by the Purcell family, Graiguefrahane Castle, also known as the old Castle of Cloghleigh, dates to the medieval period and is remembered as a historic family seat in the region.

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