Indicated — Knockacurra

On top of a natural ridge, on a slightly level area toward western side of ridge. The Civil Survey (1654-6) mentions, ‘On the lands of Laffally in this Parish [Curroge] stands a castle wanting repayre’ (Simington 1934, vol. 2, 40) which appears to be the castle on Knockacurra. According to the OS Letters (1840), ‘The foundations of walls of other edifices that stood within the ground enclosed in the bawn of the Castle are still seen here. And the foundations of the walls of the bawn, which was of oblong form, are still traceable, of which those on west and east ends are the higher parts. The space lying within the foundations measures sixty paces = one hundred and eighty feet [54.8m] from east to west and forty paces and four feet = one hundred and twenty four feet [37.8m] from north to south. At the north side is a trench twelve feet [3.6m] wide, along which there runs a foss which extends farther than the bawn east ward, where it becomes much wider than in any other part. Neither it nor the trench extends as far as the western end. There is some difficulty in distinguishing whether this ridge, which is above called foss, and the above mentioned trench, be artificial or natural. The east end of the foss appears to be natural, but both the trench and the remainder of it are in all appearance artificial work. It does not appear, however, that a trench and foss ran outside the walls of the bawn on all parts. Such defences would indeed be very useful on the north side, inasmuchas, by means of them, it might be made equally difficult of access as the south side which was sufficiently secured by nature against the approach of enemies. Under these circumstances wards were necessary only the east and west sides, which were most exposed to the aggression of plunderers or besiegers, whilst little or no apprehensions of attach on any other part might be entertained’ (O’Flanagan 1931, vol. 2, 115-6 (315-7). Indicated as earthworks on the 1st (1840) and 2nd (revised 1954) ed. OS 6-inch map enclosing a 'Castle (site of)' (TS067-039001-). Neither the earthworks or castle are visible at ground level. A castle (unclassified) (TS067-058---) is located c. 600m WSW. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 16 June 2014