House - fortified house

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, atop hill with panoramic views over surrounding countryside. Courtbrown Castle let in 1615 and owned by P. Maunsell in 1642-52 (Westropp 1906-7, 205). Described in 1840 as 'a mere fragment, one conspicuous gable only remaining ... it does not appear to be very ancient' (OSL vol. 1, 144). No visible surface trace now evident. Probably a fortified house of the early 17th century, these are often styled "Court".

Westropp (1906-7, 204-5) recorded the following details; '1581-3 Moriertagh mac Mortagh O'Sheehy held Brownescourt or Brownestown (Des. R., 23; Inq. Exch., 11, 54; Fi. 3842); part of estate of dissolved Abbey of Keynsham. It is shown as Courtbrowne C[astle]. (Peyton, p. 86; Hardiman Map 2). 1615 Maur. Berkeley let the C[astle]. to T. Martin, of Ballynash (Inq. Chan., 72b). 1642-52 Peter Maunsell held Courte Browne, Athskeaton (Dep. T.C.D., p. 302). 1655 Owned by Mrs. Crofton and Lord Broghill (C.S., p. 65). Fabric - Some fragments of the "Court" remain.

Compiled by: Denis Power

Date of upload: 26 August 2011

References

Westropp, T.J. 1906-7 The ancient castles of the county of Limerick. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 26, 54-264.

OSL - Ordnance Survey Letters. Letters written by members of the Ordnance Survey's 'Topographical Department' (T. O'Conor, A. O'Curry, E. Curry, J. O'Donovan and P. O'Keeffe) sent to headquarters from the field (1834-41). MSS in Royal Irish Academy.