Mason, “Parochial Survey of Ireland.” Murphy, “Cromwell in Ireland.” Bagwell, “Ireland Under the Tudors.” State Papers. Parliamentary Gazetteer. In Journal of _Kilkenny Archæological Society_, “Panegyric on Thomas Butler, 10th Earl of Ormond.” Graves, “Ancient Tapestry of Kilkenny Castle.” Graves, “Anonymous account of the early life and marriage of James, 1st Duke of Ormond.” In _Journal of Waterford and South-East of Ireland Archæological Society_, Hurley, “Was Anna Boleyn born in the Castle of Carrick-on-Suir?” In _Clonmel Chronicle_, “Carrick-on-Suir and its Ancient Castle.”
“A sort of strength, a strong and stately hold It was at first, though now it is full old. On rock alone full farre from other mount It stands, which shews it was of great account.” THOMAS CHURCHYARD.
This fortress, sometimes called Carrickaquicy, is situated five miles west-south-west of Limerick City, in the same county, in the barony of Pubble Brien. It stands on an abrupt basaltic rock which has forced itself through the limestone, and is surrounded by low marshy ground called Corkass land which stretches away to the Shannon.
O’Donovan states that the name signifies “rock of the O’Connolls,” but it is more popularly believed to mean “rock of the candle,” and several versions of the following legend are related to account for the designation:--
The site of the castle was formerly supposed to be inhabited by a hag of gigantic form called Grana, and every evening she lighted a candle in her habitation, which from its elevated position was visible for miles round, and every one who saw its light died before morning.
The great Finn hearing of this scourge ordered a man called Ryan to go and extinguish the light, and presented him with a charmed cap to accomplish the mission. This covered his eyes until he had scaled the rock, seized the candle, and thrown it into the Shannon.
The witch in a fury was about to grasp him when he took a jump of two miles westward, and she was only able
to vent her rage by hurling a rock after him, which is still pointed out with the marks of her fingers on it to indicate the “Hag’s Throw.”
The castle ruins comprise one or two towers and part of the ramparts. It was finally destroyed by gunpowder, and huge masses of masonry lie about in all directions, indicating its once extensive proportions.