This is a 'sub' website that deals with Clonreher Castle near Portlaoise in County Laois in Ireland.  There appears to be some good grounds to believe it was once inhabited by Dowlings in the 16th century.

The castle or 'tower house' is in poor condition but has recently become of more interest to Heritage Ireland. It has undergone an extensive survey to assess its importance and viability for renovation. This report supported some renovation and that has already started. If this piques your interest let me know, as the more interest there is the more importance may be placed upon the building.

Photo from our lucky contact on the Clonreher project, Eimhín McEvoy, he's up on the tower and can see for miles. Notice the special cementing to top of the tower to protect it from erosion. The scaffolding is still as there is more work to be done. Our Dowling ancestors may well have stood here.

Photo from our contact on the Clonreher project, Eimhín McEvoy. This is the view of the North-East tower from the road. Check-out that new pointing using traditional materials. There has been some clearance and there is an application for more money.

Photo from our contact on the Clonreher project, Eimhín McEvoy. This is the view of the North-East tower from the road. This pointing should help reduce damage from the elements. The cleaning also shows more detail than before - compare this against older pictures elsewher on this site. Very exciting developments indeed.

Photo from our contact on the Clonreher project, Eimhín McEvoy. This is the wider-angle view of the North-East tower from the road.

LATEST: Work has started!!!  Supervised specialists have been busy pointing and 'making-good' . These are not typical modern house builders but specialists trained and/or experienced in historical methods and preservation techniques.

If you are interested in donating to this project do contact me, I would love to get a sense of just how much us Dowlings can contribute to this great project..

Thanks for dropping in. Do click the 'Visit' button on the below!

Brian Thomas Dowling (1955 -)