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The precise location of 'Rinchane Castle' within the townland of Ranaghan or Barbavilla Demesne has not been identified. Rinechan (Ranaghan) Castle is depicted on the 1657 Down Survey map of Fore Barony and St. Fechins parish map (NLI MS 723-4) map but not marked on any edition of the OS 6-inch map. The terrier of this parish map recorded that this castle was on the lands of John Lutterell who is listed as an 'Irish papist'. The SMR office suggested that Barbavilla House was built on the site of the medieval castle but no evidence of any medieval castle was identified by the ASI at this location. The townland of Barbavilla Demesne formed part of Ranaghan townland in the medieval period. The cartographic evidence would suggest that this castle was located in the W quadrant of the present townland of Ranaghan rather than Barbavilla Demesne. The 'Fortfield' depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map containing the remains of a ringfort (WM008-049----) is located in the same general area where the castle is depicted on the Down Survey map.
Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien
Date of upload: 3 October 2016
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
The map shows the centre of the officially named townland area, not the monument. The government record does not identify the exact monument point.