Pallaskenry derives its name from Kenry Castle (the palisaded castle at Kenry), nowadays known as Shanpallas Castle.Dictionary of Ireland, p455, Lewis. It was one of the principal ancient castles of County Limerick. Journal of The Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, Volume 37, p25. Kenry Castle was the original property of Russells as part of the territories or Ardcanny and Chapelrussell (incl. Pallas itself) which was acquired by the first Knight of Glin, Sir John fitz John. It was later in the possession of Henry Fitzgerald, grandson of the first Knight in 1330 and served as an important sub-manor of the Earls of Desmond right through to 1652.