Walled garden

The National Monuments Service's description

Listed as 'Archaeological Complex' in the SMR (1992) and as 'Garden/Landscape Features' in the RMP (1996). This record is for a large rectangular enclosure (c. 275m E-W; c. 114m N-S) on a S-facing slope immediately E of Leamaneh Castle (CL016-032002-). It is aligned NE-SW and is defined by a rubble wall bonded with clay mortar (H up to 3m; Wth 0.7m at base, narrowing toward the top). The wall does not survive in good condition and does not appear to have been defensive. A circular decorative turret (max. H 3.45m) is built on the NE angle and appears to be built on top of the rubble wall. An external string course 1.4m from the top distinguishes a parapet (ext. diam. 3.9m; int. diam 2.75m) from the tower but no crenellations survive. A terrace (Wth 9m) extending along the N edge of the garden is named ‘Turret Walk’ on the 1840 and 1916 editions of the OS 6-inch map. It is defined by a stone wall at S (H 0.4m over the walk; H 0.6m over ground to S). The 1840 map shows that the road coming from the N extended along the N side of the garden and turned S at a point NW of the castle. The later road cuts right through the walled garden to meet the Corofin road more directly. About half way along the N wall a stone-built structure (int. dims. 4.5m E-W; 3.5m N-S; wall T 0.7-0.8m) projects to N. This is named ‘Summer House’ on the 1916 OS map. It has one light of dressed limestone on the W wall and the external façade has two statue niches in brick. A series of fish-ponds (CL016-032010-) lie within the walled garden towards the S.

Compiled by: Mary Tunney

Date of upload: 7 November 2018