What is recorded here

Caherass Castle, bawn, orchard and eel-weir belonged to the FitzGeralds on the Maigue before passing through Ormsby and Evans to Sir David Roche. The weir still works in the mind’s eye: a low wooden or stone check across the river, eels climbing past it at night while the castle lights flickered above. Its exact spot has slipped from the land, but the relationship remains clear: a river, a castle, and a family that measured wealth in living silver.

The precise location of an eel weir belonging to Caherass Castle (LI021-131----) and bawn (LI021-131001-) in the townland of Caherass has not been identified. Westropp (1906-7, 167) recorded the following details about Caherass; '1636 Mau[rice]. FitzGerald held Cahirassa C[astle]. and vill., in the Manor of Croom, from the Earl of Kildare (Ib., 184). 1657 C[astle]. bawn, orchard, and eel-weir on the Maigue, late held by Garret FitzGerald (C.S., xxiv., p. 31; D.S.A., 42). 1666 Granted to Sir Edm. Ormsby. 1703 To Geo. Evans, jun. Now held by Sir David Roche, Bart.'. The 1654-56 Civil Survey of Limerick recorded that Gerratt FitzGerrald of Cahirassey, an Irish Papist, was the owner of Caherass which contained 'a Castle a Bawne and an Orchard with an Eele weare' (Simington 1938, 141). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 3 December 2020

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