TULLAROAN

In 1868, the parish of Tullaroan contained the following places:

"TULLAROAN, a parish in the barony of Crannagh, county Kilkenny, province of Munster, Ireland, 5 miles from Freshford, its post town. The parish is bordered on the W. by the river Munster. There is a police station. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Ossory, joined to Callan. The church has long been in ruins. In the Roman Catholic arrangement this parish is united to that of Freshford. There are six private schools. The chief residence is Tullaroan House. This parish was anciently comprised in Grace's country. Coal in small veins is found. There are ruins of Grace Chapel, founded by the family of the Graces, also Danish raths at Courtstown and Rathely-Grace. A fair is held on 28th August."

"COURTSTOWN, a castle in the parish of Tullaroan, barony of Cranagh, in the county of Kilkenny, province of Leinster, Ireland. It is supposed to date back to the early part of the 13th century, and underwent some alterations in Henry VIII.'s reign. The structure is said to have been one of much beauty. It was encompassed by a wall with a tower at each of the four corners. On the S. side was the gate, with two towers and portcullis. This castle was occupied by the Grace family until the end of the 17th century, when it was forfeited and allowed to fall into decay. Bow Butts lie to the S. They are mere hillocks, supposed to be the remains of an archery-butt."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868]
by Colin Hinson ©2018