Historic town

The National Monuments Service's description

The modern town of Kilfinnane stands on the footprint of a pre-1700 settlement consisting of at least 50 thatched dwellings associated with Kilfinnane Castle, (LI048-057----) Church (LI048-058----) and graveyard (LI048-109----). In 1252 there is a reference to 'Richard Tancard (cf. Tankardstown, near Kilmallock), and the free tenants of Kylfynan' (Westropp 1916-17, 471). According to Westropp (1916-17, 471) in '1350, Walter Purcell held Kilfinnane from John fitzPeter Le Poer, Baron of Donuyll [Dunhill Castle WA025-045001-](the picturesque rock-fort and castle in Co. Waterford); his heirs were under age'. The 1654-56 Down Survey map of Kilfinnane parish shows the castle standing adjacent to a medieval road and close to the ruins of Kilfinnane church and glebe land (NLI, MS 718). The present Main Street may follow the line of the medieval road depicted on the Down Survey parish map.
The Civil Survey of Limerick 1654-56 recorded that Sir Edward Fitz Harris of Chloch an Otfaígh (now Castleoliver), an Irish Papist was in 1640 the owner of 'Kilfynane, Ballinleynye, Ballinro, Ballyriggyne being parte of Moorestowne, Ballyngerodie, and Garrileasy containing two plowlands, with a Castle and an Iron Grate thereunto, Fiftie tatch Houses & Cabbins. A Gristmill, a Tucking Mill [LI056-054----]. A Mill-seate, Court Leete and Court Baron. A Fayre twice a yeare, and a markett once a weeke' (Simington 1938, 246). The terrier of the 1654-56 Down Survey parish map recorded that the parish 'hath also the convenience of a Markett at Kilfinane where is a good Castle and the walls of a Church and an Irish Towne' (NLI, MS 718).

See attached Down Survey parish map.

Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of revised upload: 22 February 2022

References

Simington, R.C. (ed.) 1938 The civil survey, AD 1654-1656. Vol. IV: county of Limerick, with a section of Clanmaurice barony Co. Kerry. Dublin. Irish Manuscripts Commission.

Westropp, T.J. 1916-17 On certain typical earthworks and ring walls in Co. Limerick. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 33C, 9-42, 444-92.

NLI, MS 718 - National Library of Ireland, Parish maps with terriers, showing forfeited lands in County Limerick, commonly known as the "Down Survey", executed under the direction of Sir William Petty, 1657, and copied by Daniel O'Brien, 1786.