Bastioned fort

The National Monuments Service's description

On a rocky headland commanding the entrance to Bofin Harbour, on S side of Inishbofin. A well-preserved, roughly rectangular fort (L 32.6m, Wth 22.85m) built of local stone with limestone quoins, now mostly robbed. The entrance, via round-headed gate, is midway along SE side, flanked by symmetrical spear-shaped artillery bastions at E and S corners. The N and W bastions are of variable design; that at N, overlooking the harbour entrance, is of irregular plan (L c. 8.2m, Wth c. 6.1m), while W one is a small rectangle with musket loops. Near it is a small semicircular turret on SW wall. In the interior is a courtyard with a blocked well, flanked on three sides by ruined buildings. Built 1656-7, apparently incorporating some works constructed there during the Confederate period; local tradition asserts that it was previously occupied by 'Bosco's Castle'. (Walsh 1990a; Molloy 1988; Westropp 1911, 69-72)

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993).

The attached image (GA009D023----_01.jpg) shows the landscape setting of 'Cromwell's Barrack'. Note the the quay wall feature to the east just north of the shingle beach.

The attached aerial image (GA009D023----_02.jpg) of 'Cromwell's Barrack' was taken in 1982.

Date of upload: 21 January 2014

References

Molloy, S. 1988 Inishbofin - the ultimate stronghold. Irish Sword 17, no. 67, 105-15.

Walsh, P. 1989-90 Cromwell's Barrack: a Commonwealth garrison fort on Inishbofin, Co. Galway. Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society 42, 30-71.

Westropp, T.J. 1911 Clare Island survey: history and archaeology. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 31, Section 1, Part 2, 1-78.