Settlement cluster in Castlelake

The Civil Survey (1654-6) describes 'Ballytarsny-Mckeorish', as, 'There is on the s[ai]d lands an old castle a thatcht house with a Bawne about it & severall Cottages' (Simington 1931, vol. 1, 241). This area has been equated with the modern townland of Castlelake. In 1640 the land was owned by 'Edward Boyton of Cashell Aderman. Irish Papist' and the Civil Survey goes on to state, 'The s[ai]d Edward Boyton p[ro]prietor by purchasse from the Lord of Dunboyne long before the Rebellion' (ibid.). The mention of several cottages suggests that there was a small settlement associated with the castle (TS060-116001-). The precise location of this settlement is unknown, however, as the River Suir flows N of the tower house, with a stream and marshy land to the E, it is likely that the settlement was to the S-SW. There is a field system (TS060-116004-) c. 100m S of the tower house which may be related to the settlement. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 15 July 2014