Dwyer Castles
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According to an inquisition taken at Clonmel in 1607, this castle was in the possession of John O'Dwyer of Dundrum, deputy chief of the Dwyer clan. The construction date is unknown; the earliest reference is 1607. [O'Dwyer, p. 303.] The ruins now tower over a dairy farm, not far from the nearby road.
A closer view of this imposing ruin, which rests about 2 kilometers from the nearest road, in the far field of a farm. The towering structure, remote surroundings, and recollection of the last occupant give it a powerful but melancholy air.
Constructed around 1590, Killenure was occupied by Charles O'Dwyer at the outbreak of the Great Rebellion of 1641. [O'Dwyer, p. 305.] The ruins are part of a private home and business that is tastefully appointed with sculptures.
Interior view.
This castle is not mentioned in the Civil Survey of 1654-56 and so was probably destroyed in a much earlier period. The date of construction is unknown. Anthony O'Dwyer of Clonyharp was proprietor of the townland of Graigone in 1641. [O'Dwyer, p. 311.] The ruins are now behind a home on a relatively busy road.
Interior view.
Currently encircled by a group of protective cows, this castle was occupied by Connor McEdmund O'Dwyer until his death in 1631. The construction date is unknown but the earliest known reference is 1576. The castle was probably destroyed in March 1650 by Adjutant-General Sadlier of the Cromwellian army. [O'Dwyer, p. 182.]
This castle was occupied by Dermot O'Dwyer, chief of the O'Dwyer clan, until shortly before his death in 1629. The date of construction is unknown; the earliest reference is 1595. [O'Dwyer, p. 309.] The ruins are now part of an enclosure behind a barn on a 60-acre dairy farm.
Milltown Castle was occupied by Dermot O'Dwyer, chief of the O'Dwyer clan, at his death in 1629; he had relocated here from Clonyharp Castle. The construction date is unknown; the earliest known reference is 1600. [O'Dwyer, p. 310.]
This castle was probably never completed because the Civil Survey of 1654-56 refers to it as "the stumpe of a Castle intended to be built in Drombane." The ruin rests close to a passing road in a farm field, covered by ivy.