Robertstown Castle (in ruins)

At tip of narrow low spit projecting into tidal estuary of Robertstown river. Only two fragments of castle now stand: NE and NW corners (see plan Donnelly 1994, 171-2). The NW corner is featureless stump but NE corner rises to first-floor level and contains wall press. Joining these is recent dry-stone wall. Robertstown was a possession of the Earls of Desmond until surrendered in late 16th century (Westropp 1906-7, 242). Westropp (1906-7, 242) gives the following details about Robertstown; '1222-30 The C[astle] of Robert Guher or Gore (C.S.P.L). It is often named in church lists and rentals, 1302, 1410, 1452. In 1289 Jo. Guer held Kyldrumyn (Plea R., 13). In 1298 Margery Gore held a half townland of Robertstown (C.S.P.L). In 1452 Castro Robti. Gore held by Earls of Desmond. 1569 Surrendered. 1571 J. Mac Clanchy held it (Fi. 3842 ; Inq. Exch.); 1587 W. Trenchard (Fi. 5078; Inq. Exch., 41). 1608 Ballyrobert C[astle]. conveyed by Jas. Wakeman to Sir Ric. Wingfield, of Smithstown, with a water mill, Carricke O'Ruderi, Ardenere, and part of estate of Teige mac Clansie, slain in rebellion (Rev. Exch., 1613-18, p. 1; 1623, p. 17; Inq. Chan., 6b), who held it with Cragg, 1638 (Inq. Chan., C.S., p. 94, &c). 1655 C[astle]. of Robertstown, Carrigenrudderi, mill, &c. Fabric - The north-east fragments of a peel tower, featureless, save for ambreys, on a projection in a tidal creek. Fragments of a strong wall across the neck of the peninsula. The 1654-56 Civil Survey of Limerick recorded that Sir Edward Wingfield was the owner of the lands of Robertstown and Garrintober which contained 'a ruined castle with two Mill seates [LI010-106----]' (Simington 1938, 327). Compiled by: Denis Power Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 13 May 2020

Built in the 17th century by an unknown local landowner, Robertstown Castle is remembered for its strategic location on a tidal estuary, which likely played a role in regional defense and trade during early modern Ireland.