Site of Castle — Report the wrong picture

What is recorded here

Castleford is no longer visible, but the valley still holds the shape of its absence. The De Prendergasts made it their principal castle, and even in the Civil Survey one wall remained standing beside what is now an old orchard. That much ghost is enough: a house large enough to lead a family, lost enough to become rumour, sitting where soil and memory have taken it back.

On a slight rise on valley floor c. 220m S of a tributary of the River Duagh, in an old orchard adjacent to a farmyard. In the Civil Survey (1654-6) it is described as an 'ould ruinous Castle, whereof one side is onely standinge' (Simington 1931, vol. 1, 376). The castle is marked as 'site of castle' on both 1st (1840) and 2nd (1907) ed. OS 6-inch maps. There is no visible trace of the monument above ground. According to Graves (1876-78, 51) this was the principal castle of the De Prendergasts. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 18 November 2013

The site of Newcastle Castle is believed to have been built during the late medieval period, likely by an Anglo-Norman lord or local Gaelic chieftain. It is remembered primarily from historical surveys such as the Civil Survey of 1654–56, which noted it as an "ould ruinous Castle," indicating its strategic or regional significance in earlier centuries.

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.