Castle - tower house

The National Monuments Service's description

Westropp (1906-7, 214) recorded the following details on Castle Matrix; ‘1487 James ninth Earl of Desmond, murdered by his servants in Caslan Mattras (Len., p. 68), called Courtmattress, 1488. 1580 N. f. William held Matrascourte (Matrackscourt) C[astle], on the Deel, on Nekraghe, in Rathkealy (Peyton, 164; Inq. Exch., 10, 11). 1588 Granted to Billingsley (Fi. 5171, Carew i., p. 450); and 1608 to Sir J. Dowdall, of Pilltown, with the Courts-Barron, and the Abbey [LI029-031006-] (Pat. R. and Inq. Chan., 15a). 1616 Held by Edm. Southwell (Exchr. Lease, 32). 1642 Besieged by M. Herbert, and surrendered (Dep., 1903). 1655 G. Matrix, or Court Matrix, with Inishgousee, the C[astle], orchard, and grist mill on the Deel. Edm. Southwell (C.S., p. 58). Traditionally a Desmond C[astle]. Fabric - It was repaired by J. Browne before 1840. The tower is 44 feet [13.4m] by 35½ feet [10.8m] outside, 60 feet [18.3m] high, with walls 7 feet [2.1m] thick. It is battlemented, and has four stories (O.S.L., 8, p. 186)'.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 14 January 2019

See attached ASI aerial photographs ASIAP – taken on 04/03/2006.

References

ASIAP - Archaeological Survey of Ireland Aerial Photographs (c. 1996 - c. 2010).

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.

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