Earthwork

The National Monuments Service's description

On top of a natural ridge, on a slightly level area toward western side of ridge. The Civil Survey (1654-6) mentions, ‘On the lands of Laffally in this Parish [Curroge] stands a castle wanting repayre’ (Simington 1934, vol. 2, 40) which appears to be the castle on Knockacurra. The OS Letters (1840) describe the remains of the castle and bawn, as well as, ‘At the north side is a trench twelve feet [3.6m] wide, along which there runs a foss which extends farther than the bawn east ward, where it becomes much wider than in any other part. Neither it nor the trench extends as far as the western end. There is some difficulty in distinguishing whether this ridge, which is above called foss, and the above mentioned trench, be artificial or natural. The east end of the foss appears to be natural, but both the trench and the remainder of it are in all appearance artificial work. It does not appear, however, that a trench and foss ran outside the walls of the bawn on all parts. Such defences would indeed be very useful on the north side, inasmuchas, by means of them, it might be made equally difficult of access as the south side which was sufficiently secured by nature against the approach of enemies. Under these circumstances wards were necessary only the east and west sides, which were most exposed to the aggression of plunderers or besiegers, whilst little or no apprehensions of attach on any other part might be entertained’ (O’Flanagan 1931, vol. 2, 115-6 (316-7). Indicated as earthworks on the 1st (1840) and 2nd (revised 1954) ed. OS 6-inch map enclosing a 'Castle (site of)' (TS067-039001-). Neither the earthworks or castle are visible at ground level. A castle (unclassified) (TS067-058---) is located c. 600m WSW.

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 16 June 2014

References

Simington, R.C. (ed.) 1934 The Civil survey, AD 1654-1656. Vol. II: county of Tipperary - Western and Northern baronies. Dublin. Irish Manuscripts Commission.

O'Flanagan, Rev. M. (Compiler) 1930 Letters containing information relative to the antiquities of the county of Tipperary collected during the progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1840. Bray.