Bawn

The National Monuments Service's description

Not marked on the 1839 or 1909 eds OS 6-inch map. Situated in a prominent position. Reference to a motte here (Roe, H.M. A history of Co. Laois Unpublished, 88). No visible surface remains. It is possible that this reference to a motte is to Castletown also in Co. Laois and not to Castletown Moneymore. The low hillock on which the castle (LA021-005002-) is situated is the result of a natural hillock that has been scarped rather than the artificial construction of an Anglo-Norman motte. The low wall footings of the NW wall of the castle (LA021-005002-) are visible today in the NW quadrant of a late 19th/early 20th century private burial ground (dims. 28m N-S ; 31m E-W) belonging to the White family. The circular-shaped burial ground is enclosed by a stone wall (Wall T 0.45m) which encloses the low hillock on which the castle is situated. On the outside of the wall there is evidence of a berm (Wth c. 2m; ext. H 0.7m) enclosing the burial ground and castle from W through to N only which may be the remains of a possible circular bawn (LA021-005001-) enclosing the castle.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Compiled by Caimin O'Brien
Date of upload/revision: 09 November 2010