In 1242 Bruree was seized from John de Marisco and his wife Mabel. Mabel was the grand-daughter of Richard de Brugh. Richard was the 1st Lord of Connaught. It was swiftly returned by the captors, when it was realised that it was part of Mabel’s marriage portion.
In 1290 a Norman family the De Lacy’s became landowners in Bruree. They battled with the Irish against the English in both the 16th and 17th centuries. De Lacy Castle Lower “Lotteragh Castle” rests peacefully in Lotteragh Lower. It can be seen when entering the village from the west. De Lacy Castle Upper “Ballynoe Castle” is on higher ground above the village, with views ranging far and wide.
Traditional history tells us that this castle was built by the Knights Templar, to guard the ford across the river. De Lacy’s power dwindled between the Geraldine Rebellion & the Jacobite-Williamite War. Their interests were elsewhere by this time in France, Hungary, Poland, Russia and Spain.