Castle - tower house

The National Monuments Service's description

To S of a small stream in low-lying pastureland, an esker ridge lies to E. This very poorly preserved castle was home to a branch of the Mac Egans who were hereditary brehons to the O Conors of Connacht (Killanin and Duignan 1967, 267). Apart from NE corner (H 2.4m), all that survives is the raised platform (N-S 16m, E-W 10m, H 1.4m) on which it stood. No architectural features are visible. However, the decorated and inscribed mantle stone of a fireplace from here is now incorporated into a wall of the National School in Clonbern - see GA031-069---- (information from Prof. E. Fitzpatrick 20 March 2019). Traces of a possible bawn wall (L 15.5m) extend to N from NE corner. (Melvin c. 1971, 12-3)

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. II - North Galway'. Compiled by Olive Alcock, Kathy de hÓra and Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Updated by: Olive Alcock

Date of revised upload: 28 March 2019

References

Killanin, M.M. and Duignan, M.V. 1967 (2nd ed.) The Shell guide to Ireland. London. The Ebury Press.

Melvin, P.C. c. 1971 Festival of Cill Choirthín. Privately published.