Why this matters
Built in the 13th century, Castle in Ruins—Modreeny was held by the Fitzgerald family, powerful Norman lords in Munster. It is remembered for its strategic position within the medieval borough and as a testament to the region's Norman heritage, though now only its walls remain.
What is recorded here
Situated on flat pastureland with good views in all directions within the medieval borough of Modreeny (TN010-084----). Described in the Civil Survey (1654-6) as an 'old castle and bawne the walls onely standing, a decayed orchard and a garden plott wth som decaying inclosures and quicksetts & three thatcht houses' (Simington 1934, vol. 2, 288). John Carroll is listed as proprietor in 1640 (ibid.). The scattered and confused fallen masonry from a castle has been converted into a nineteenth-century rockery by the occupiers of Modreeny House located to the W. No architectural features visible.
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
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