🏰 CASTLES, FORTIFIED HOUSES & BARONIAL SEATS — COUNTY LONGFORD (ANNALY–TEFFIA)

1. Granard Motte and Bailey Castle – Built c.1199 by Richard de Tuite, on an older Gaelic royal hillfort.
   → Association: Direct — Granard formed part of the Feudal Liberty of Meath under the Nugents; confirmed under the 1541 Patent of Fore Priory to Baron Delvin.

2. Moydow Castle – Built by John de Verdon c.1260; destroyed by the O’Farrells in 1295.
   → Association: Partial — The de Verdons were feudal peers allied to the de Lacy–Nugent line; Moydow fell within the Palatine jurisdiction of Meath.

3. Rathcline Castle (Lanesborough) – Ancient fortress of the O’Quinn and O’Farrell families.
   → Association: Direct — Explicitly granted to Baron Delvin in the 1541 Patent of Fore and Annaly, as part of the lands and manors of Longford and Rathclinan.

4. Lisnacreevy Castle (Edgeworthstown area) – O’Farrell stronghold.
   → Association: Direct — Mostrim / Edgeworthstown lay within the Captaincy of Slewaght William, granted to Baron Delvin (1565) as a hereditary office and territory.

5. Coolamber Hall House – Early 13th-century hall house near the Longford–Westmeath border.
   → Association: Direct — Built within Nugent landholdings forming part of the Delvin–Fore estates.

6. Cloghan Castle (Keenagh) – Medieval tower near Lough Ree.
   → Association: Direct — Included among Fore Priory’s dependent manors confirmed to Baron Delvin (1541).

7. Castlerea Castle (Moydow) – O’Farrell fortress.
   → Association: Indirect — Within the barony of Ardagh and Moydow, part of the Palatine of Meath under the Nugent overlordship.

8. Ballinalee Castle – Northern Longford fortress.
   → Association: Indirect — Within Captaincy of Annaly (Slewght-William); feudal jurisdiction held by Baron Delvin as hereditary captain.

9. Newtowncashel Castle – Lakeside castle and grange near Lough Ree.
   → Association: Direct — Listed among the Abbey of Fore dependencies conveyed to Baron Delvin (1541).

10. Aghamore Castle (Ballymahon) – Stronghold guarding southern Annaly.
    → Association: Direct — Within the Fore-Annaly estates granted to Baron Delvin.

11. Taghshinny Castle (Elfeet Castle) – Seat of the O’Farrell Bán sept.
    → Association: Indirect — The barony of Shrule later included in Delvin’s confirmed holdings.

12. Ardagh Castle Site – Ancient fortress beside St. Mel’s monastery.
    → Association: Direct — Ardagh included in Annaly manors conveyed by Royal Grant to Baron Delvin (1541).

13. Lanesborough Fort – Cromwellian-era defense on the Shannon.
    → Association: Post-feudal, none.

14. Smear Castle (Granard parish) – Late medieval tower.
    → Association: Direct — Granard and Abbeylara formed part of the Delvin-Fore seignory.

15. Ballymahon Castle – Anglo-Norman site destroyed in the 1600s.
    → Association: Direct — Ballymahon listed under Annaly holdings of Baron Delvin.

16. Terlicken Castle – Seat of the O’Farrell Buidhe clan.
    → Association: Indirect — Annaly jurisdiction confirmed to Nugent as feudal superior.

17. Lisduff Castle (Edgeworthstown) – O’Farrell fortress.
    → Association: Direct — Mostrim barony under Delvin’s Captainship (1565).

18. Derraghan Castle (Abbeylara) – Medieval site.
    → Association: Direct — Within Abbeylara–Fore dependency.

19. Lisbrack Castle (Longford town) – O’Farrell stronghold near Longford.
    → Association: Direct — Longford town itself was later granted market and court-baron rights to Baron Delvin (1605).

20. Ballinamuck Fort – Battlefield of 1798; earlier fort.
    → Association: None (post-feudal).

⛪ ABBEYS, MONASTERIES & RELIGIOUS HOUSES

1. Abbeyshrule Abbey (Cistercian) – Founded c.1200 by O’Farrells.
   → Association: Direct (1541) — Fore dependency, granted to Baron Delvin in Henry VIII’s patent.

2. Abbeylara Abbey (Cistercian) – Founded 1211 by Richard Tuite.
   → Association: Direct — Primary Fore house under the Delvin estates.

3. Abbeyderg Priory (Augustinian) – Founded c.1205 near Kenagh.
   → Association: Direct — Attached to Fore Priory; included in Delvin’s 1541 charter.

4. Abbey Mahon (Carmelite) – Near Ballymahon.
   → Association: Direct — Ballymahon territory within Annaly-Fore grant.

5. Saints’ Island Monastery (Inchcleraun, Lough Ree) – St. Diarmaid’s 6th-century site.
   → Association: Direct (1552) — Holy Island of Inchcleraun granted to Baron Delvin by Edward VI.

6. Inchmore Monastery (Lough Ree) – Early Christian monastic isle.
   → Association: Direct (1552) — Listed with Inchcleraun in Delvin’s grant of islands.

7. Inis Clothrann (Holy Island) – Queen Medb’s legendary burial site.
   → Association: Direct (1552) — Part of same royal charter to Baron Delvin.

8. Abbeyview (Grange of Abbeyshrule) – Cistercian farmstead.
   → Association: Direct (1541) — Fore dependency under Nugent control.

9. Creevagh Abbey (near Lanesborough) – Augustinian.
   → Association: Direct — Rathcline–Annaly barony in Delvin holdings.

10. Ballinakill Monastery (Abbeylara area) – Early site.
    → Association: Direct — Fore Priory dependency.

11. Tashinny Monastery – Near Keenagh.
    → Association: Direct (1541) — Fore annex under Nugent.

12. Ardagh Monastery (St Mel’s) – 5th-century bishopric.
    → Association: Direct — Ardagh and Mostrim manors granted under Captainship (1565).

13. Cloncallow Monastery (Killashee) – Early Christian site.
    → Association: Direct — Killashee and Longford in Delvin’s confirmed estates.

14. Killashee Monastery – St Ciarán’s house.
    → Association: Direct (1541) — Included in Priory of Fore patent.

15. Ballymacormick Monastery – Near Longford.
    → Association: Direct — Within Longford barony of Delvin’s palatinate.

16. Drumlish Monastic Site – Early ruins.
    → Association: Indirect — Northern Annaly, under Meath liberty.

17. Killoe Church Site – Early church.
    → Association: Indirect — Within the Captaincy of Annaly.

18. Abbeyshrule Tower House & Church – Later fortified monastery.
    → Association: Direct (Fore-Delvin).

19. Rathcline Church (Kilcoman) – Medieval church ruins.
    → Association: Direct (1541) — Rathcline among Delvin grants.

20. Saints’ Island Graveyard – Ancient cemetery.
    → Association: Direct (1552) — Included with Inchcleraun in Delvin grant.

☘️ SACRED & PREHISTORIC / CEREMONIAL SITES

1. Inchcleraun (Holy Island) – Seven churches and Queen Medb’s burial place.
   → Association: Direct (1552) — Edward VI grant to Baron Delvin.

2. Granard Hill (Cnoc na gCarn) – Pre-Christian royal hillfort.
   → Association: Direct — Granard part of Fore–Delvin lordship.

3. Ardagh Hill – Royal inauguration and monastic hill.
   → Association: Direct (1565) — Captaincy of Slewght William.

4. Carn Clonbroney – Megalithic cairn near Edgeworthstown.
   → Association: Direct (1565) — Mostrim/Delvin captaincy territory.

5. Rathcline Hillfort – Ancient fortress near Lough Ree.
   → Association: Direct (1541) — Rathcline grant to Baron Delvin.

6. Lough Ree Holy Islands (Inchcleraun, Inchmore, Inishmagrath)
   → Association: Direct (1552) — Granted en bloc to Baron Delvin.

7. St Patrick’s Well, Granard – Early Christian shrine.
   → Association: Direct — Granard under Fore-Delvin estate.

8. St Mel’s Well, Ardagh – Healing well.
   → Association: Direct (1565) — Ardagh captaincy.

9. Holy Well near Clonmacnoise border – Pilgrim site.
   → Association: Indirect — Within Palatine of Meath.

10. Rathline Ringforts (O’Quinn lands) – Gaelic strongholds.
    → Association: Direct (1541) — Rathcline included in Delvin’s Fore patent.

11. Cairn Hill (Carn Clonhugh) – Inauguration hill of Teffia.
    → Association: Direct — Fore–Delvin feudal reach.

12. Rathmore Hillfort (Abbeylara) – Prehistoric and medieval complex.
    → Association: Direct (Fore dependency).

13. Lisduff & Lisnacreevy Raths (Edgeworthstown)
    → Association: Direct (1565) — Mostrim–Captaincy of Slewght William.

14. Templemichael Church & Graveyard (Longford)
    → Association: Direct (1605) — Court Baron and Market rights to Baron Delvin.

15. Taghshinny Holy Site – Burial ground of O’Farrell Bán.
    → Association: Direct (1541) — Shrule barony under Fore patent.

16. Toberpatrick Holy Well (Granard)
    → Association: Direct — Fore–Delvin estate.

17. Lisryan Rath (Mostrim)
    → Association: Direct (1565) — Captaincy of Slewght William.

18. Drummin Fort (northern Annaly)
    → Association: Indirect (Palatine Meath).

19. Aughnacliffe Dolmen – Megalithic tomb.
    → Association: None original; later within Delvin–Annaly jurisdiction.

20. Cloonmore Fort and Standing Stones – Prehistoric ritual complex.
    → Association: Indirect (within Captaincy of Annaly).

⚜️ SUMMARY OF NUGENT (BARON DELVIN / EARL OF WESTMEATH) ASSOCIATIONS

Here is a comprehensive textual list of the ancient ruins, abbeys, monasteries, castles, and sacred places of County Longford, corresponding to the historic Kingdoms of Teffia (Tethbae) and Annaly (Anghaile).
This list combines major ecclesiastical, monastic, feudal, and prehistoric sites noted in official Irish heritage surveys, historic sources, and local tradition.

🏰 Castles, Fortified Houses, and Baronial Sites

1. Granard Motte and Bailey Castle – Norman earthwork built c.1199 by Richard de Tuite, on an ancient hillfort.

2. Moydow Castle – Built by John de Verdon (c.1260), later destroyed by the O’Farrells.

3. Rathcline Castle – Stronghold of the O’Quinn and later the Newcomens, near Lanesborough.

4. Lisnacreevy Castle – O’Farrell stronghold near Edgeworthstown.

5. Coolamber Hall House – 13th-century Anglo-Norman hall house, possibly tied to the Nugents.

6. Cloghan Castle – Medieval tower house near Keenagh.

7. Castlerea Castle – Ruins near Moydow, associated with the O’Ferralls.

8. Ballinalee Castle – Defensive site near Ballinalee village, former O’Farrell possession.

9. Newtowncashel Castle – On Lough Ree’s shores, part of the O’Quinn and O’Farrell defenses.

10. Aghamore Castle – A fortified house near Ballymahon.

11. Taghshinny Castle (Elfeet Castle) – Seat of the O’Farrell Bán sept.

12. Ardagh Castle Site – Ancient fortress associated with the saints Mel and Modhint.

13. Lanesborough Fort – Cromwellian-era stronghold guarding the Shannon.

14. Smear Castle – Ruined medieval castle in the Smear area, Granard parish.

15. Ballymahon Castle – Site of Anglo-Norman origin, later destroyed in the 17th century.

16. Terlicken Castle – Seat of the O’Farrell Buidhe sept.

17. Lisduff Castle – O’Farrell residence near Edgeworthstown.

18. Derraghan Castle – Medieval site on the boundary of Abbeylara parish.

19. Lisbrack Castle – Near Longford town, a later O’Farrell castle site.

20. Ballinamuck Fort – Scene of the 1798 battle, also a former O’Farrell fortress.

⛪ Abbeys, Monasteries, and Priories

1. Abbeyshrule Abbey (Cistercian) – Founded c.1200 under the O’Farrells; ruins include church and cloister.

2. Abbeylara Abbey (Cistercian) – Founded 1211 by Richard Tuite; partial ruins remain.

3. Abbeyderg Priory (Augustinian) – Founded early 13th century by Gormghal O’Quinn near Kenagh.

4. Abbey Mahon (Carmelite) – Late medieval friary near Ballymahon.

5. Saints’ Island Monastery (Inchcleraun, Lough Ree) – Founded by St. Diarmaid in the 6th century; seven ruined churches remain.

6. Inchmore Monastery (Lough Ree) – Early monastic island settlement.

7. Inis Clothrann (Holy Island) – Associated with St. Ciarán and Queen Medb legends; key sacred site of Annaly.

8. Abbeyview Monastery (Abbeyshrule area) – Secondary Cistercian grange attached to Abbeyshrule.

9. Creevagh Abbey (near Lanesborough) – Augustinian foundation.

10. Ballinakill Monastery – Early ecclesiastical site near Abbeylara.

11. Tashinny Monastery – Monastic site associated with the O’Farrell family.

12. Ardagh Monastery – Founded by St. Mel (5th century), one of Ireland’s earliest bishoprics.

13. Cloncallow Monastery – Early Christian site near Killashee.

14. Killashee Monastery – Founded by St. Ciarán, once a major Annaly ecclesiastical center.

15. Ballymacormick Monastery – Early medieval religious foundation.

16. Drumlish Monastic Site – Early church ruins in northern Longford.

17. Killoe Church Site – Early Christian site dedicated to St. Catherine.

18. Abbeyshrule Tower House and Church – Monastic church later fortified in the 15th century.

19. Rathcline Church (Old Kilcoman) – Medieval parish church ruins.

20. Saints’ Island Graveyard – One of Ireland’s oldest continuous Christian burial sites.

☘️ Sacred and Ancient Places (Prehistoric & Early Christian)

1. Inchcleraun (Holy Island) – Sanctuary with seven churches, St. Diarmaid’s monastery, and Queen Medb’s burial site.

2. Granard Hill (Cnoc na gCarn) – Pre-Christian hillfort and St. Patrick’s reputed first church site in Annaly.

3. Ardagh Hill – Ancient royal site and early Christian centre of Teffia.

4. Carn Clonbroney – Prehistoric cairn and ritual site near Edgeworthstown.

5. Rathcline Hillfort – Early royal residence of the O’Quinn clan overlooking Lough Ree.

6. Lough Ree Holy Islands – Including Inchcleraun, Inchmore, and Inishmagrath; all monastic and sacred.

7. St. Patrick’s Well, Granard – Ancient holy well associated with early conversions in Teffia.

8. Saint Mel’s Well, Ardagh – Early Christian healing well.

9. Holy Well at Clonmacnoise border (north Lough Ree) – Pilgrimage site linked to St. Ciarán.

10. Rathline Ringforts – Cluster of early ringforts marking Gaelic lordly residences.

11. Cairn Hill (Corn Hill / Carn Clonhugh) – Highest point in Longford, ancient ceremonial hill and possible inauguration site of kings of Teffia.

12. Rathmore Hillfort – Ancient defensive and ritual complex near Abbeylara.

13. Lisduff and Lisnacreevy Raths – Early Gaelic fortifications.

14. Templemichael Church and Graveyard (Longford town) – Medieval church ruins over early foundation.

15. Taghshinny Holy Site – Contains medieval church and burial ground of O’Farrell Bán family.

16. Toberpatrick Holy Well – Ancient sacred spring near Granard.

17. Lisryan Rath – Prehistoric fort near Edgeworthstown.

18. Drummin Fort – Circular enclosure, likely an early settlement and ritual site.

19. Aughnacliffe Dolmen – Major megalithic portal tomb (c. 3000 BC).

20. Cloonmore Fort and Standing Stones – Prehistoric ritual landscape.

⚜️ Summary

County Longford—ancient Annaly / Teffia—is one of Ireland’s densest concentrations of sacred and feudal sites. From early Christian abbeys at Ardagh, Inchcleraun, and Abbeylara, to the Norman fortifications at Granard and Coolamber, and prehistoric sanctuaries at Carn Clonhugh and Aughnacliffe, the county forms a continuous thread of sacred kingship, monastic scholarship, and feudal power.

Here is a selection of ancient ruins, abbeys, monasteries, castles and sacred sites in County Longford (which corresponds roughly to the historic kingdoms of Teffia / Tethbae and Annaly). This is not exhaustive (there are many smaller sites) but covers major ones you may wish to research further.

Notable sites

1. Abbeyshrule Abbey (Cistercian Abbey)

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• Founded c. 1200 (colonised by monks from Mellifont Abbey) under patronage of the O’Farrells of Annaly. Buildings of Ireland+1

• The ruins now include the abbey church remains, cloister outline and a later tower-house. longford.ie+1

• This site illustrates the transition from Gaelic lordship into monastic patronage and Norman/Cistercian influence.

2. Abbeylara Abbey (Cistercian)

 

 

• Founded in early 13th century (c. 1211) by Anglo-Norman Richard Tuite. Ask About Ireland+1

• Little remains today, but one fine arch and some ruins visible. Ask About Ireland

• Located in a territory originally under Gaelic Annaly, showing overlapping Gaelic & Norman domains.

3. Abbeyderg Priory (Augustinian)

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• An Augustinian foundation near Kenagh, founded circa 1205 by Gormghal O’Quinn of Rathcline. Buildings of Ireland+1

• Reflects Gaelic lord-foundation of religious houses.

4. Granard Motte (Motte & Bailey Castle)

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• A large Norman motte‐and‐bailey castle built c. 1199 by Richard de Tuit on a pre-existing hill-fort. Wikipedia+1

• Key frontier castle in the region of Annaly/Tethbae, linking Norman and Gaelic powers.

5. Coolamber Hall House

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• Anglo-Norman hall house ruins dating to early 13th century (possibly tied to Thomas Nugent) on the Longford-Westmeath border. Wikipedia

• Illustrates the later medieval secular architecture in the region.

6. Moydow Castle & Priory site

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• In the parish of Moydow (ancient territory of Tethbae) there is a ruined castle built by John de Verdon in 1260, destroyed in 1295 by Sefraid O’Fergail. Wikipedia

• Also an ancient priory of St. Modhint was located here (though no substantial remains). Wikipedia