Discover Alone ← Back to nearby map

← Back to the nearby map

Iretons Castle — Lehinch

Castle — unclassified

Why this matters

Iretons Castle — Lehinch is associated with Sir Thomas Ireton, a Parliamentarian general during the English Civil War, though it is unclear if he directly built or held the site. The castle is remembered for its historical connection to Ireton and as a possible defensive or strategic outpost in the 17th century.

What is recorded here

Situated on a low rise of ground with good views in all directions. On the 1840 edition of the OS 6-inch map the name 'Ireton's castle' is depicted where the present windmill is today. The windmill first appears on the 1905 ed. of the OS 6-inch map. There are no visible remains of a castle at ground level and there is no evidence of cut stone from a castle reused in the construction of the windmill. On the 1905 edition the cartographers used the name 'Ireton's castle' for the castle formerly known as 'Derry Castle' to the south-west (TN003-001001-). It is possible that the windmill was built on the site of Ireton's castle sometime after 1840. However, it is also possible that there may have been only one castle located to the south-west where Derry Castle (TN003-001001-) was marked and that it may have been refortified by Ireton. The name of the castle may have then changed from Derry Castle to Ireton's Castle. 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
No photo yet

Add the human story, a picture, a first-hand message or a missing place.

Add a pictureAdd its storyTalk or ask a questionAdd a new place

This remains an important historical record, but the official description says the monument is no longer visible or has been destroyed.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.