Rathurd Castle

Rathurd (Ráth Shiuird) Castle described in 1840 as, ‘This castle, which is seated on an eminence, is circular, and is about 30 feet [27.4m] high. It has been converted into a dwelling-house, now (1839) the seat of Mr. John Benson’ (OSNB St. Nicholas Parish, 1554).

The 16th century Desmond Survey recorded that John Browne of Knockmonye possessed in the barony of Clanwilliam the 'The vill castle and land of Rathtewer in the parish of Lymerick in Clanwilliam now or late in the tenure or occupation of said John Browne; containing 2 carucates or quarters worth yearly. Memorandum: a third part of said vill and land formerly belonged to FitzSimonds and was subject to a yearly rent of £1 payable to the mayor bailiffs and inhabitants of Limerick city. John Browne bought said third part so that the vill of Rathtewer aforesaid totally belongs to him' (Murphy 2013, 131).

Westropp (1906-07, 88) recorded the following details about Rathurd Castle; 'The ancient Rathsuird, or Rathardasuird (Book of Rights). Rathsyward was a parish 1253 to 1418 ("Churches," No. 32). In 1583 J. Browne, C[astle]. of Rathwerde, well repaired, with an iron door, balne [LI013-023001-], pigeon-house, [LI013-023002-] and other buildings (Des. R., 67b. See Peyton, p. 233). 1589 C[astle]. granted to Rob. Anstey (Fi., 5363). 1600 Held by N. Stritch (Inq. Ex., 11, Chan., 9a). 1606 N. Bourke and Ph. Field held in fee the entire C[astle]. of Rathuird, fishery, &c. (Inq. Chan. Car. I., 231). 1655 The lands held by N. and Jas. Bourke and Barth. Stacpoll (C.S., xxix., p. 36). 1666 Grant to Capt. J. Friend (Act Sett.) and N. Rathurd to Capt. Winckworth. Fabric. - A round C[astle], square inside, 20½ [6.25m] feet internally, with four stories, the third floor being vaulted. It is about 35 feet [10.66m] high, the walls 13 feet [4m] thick at greatest mass. A nearly levelled rath [LI013-144----] lies 30 yards [27m] to north-west (O.S.L., 8, p. 160)'.

Rathurd Castle is depicted as a T-shaped or L-shaped house with chimneystack rising above roofline on the 17th century Down Survey map of South Liberties barony (Hib. Reg.). Castle shown as a two storey high house with gable ended chimney stack on the Down Survey map of the parish of St Michaels and St Nicholas (NLI, MS. 718). The terrier of this parish map recorded that 'there Standes a Castle with an orchard on North Ratehurd' (ibid.). Donnelly (1999, 31) recorded that Rathurd Castle was the only circular-shaped tower house in County Limerick . Circular castle described by Salter (2004, 94) as follows; 'This 10.5m high circular tower adjoining a farmhouse contains four storeys of rooms 6m square with the third level vaulted'.