Castle - tower house

The National Monuments Service's description

Known as 'Cody's Castle', this tower house was in almost perfect condition in 1800 (Carrigan 1905 vol. 2, 281). Now only the SE gable survives (Wth c. 8.4m, wall T c. 1.25m), three storeys high, and is constructed of limestone slabs. A slight base-batter is visible. The entrance was towards the E end of gable; and remains of a segmental pointed arch window visible towards the S end. Evidence of a N-S barrel-vault over ground floor. Foundations of bawn wall (LA028-042001-) are visible to the W.
Described by Carrigan as 'Cody's castle from which it was originally called, stood within a raised area, enclosed by a wall, now almost entirely broken down. In 1800 the castle, was almost perfect, but most of it has been destroyed since then. At present all that remains is part of a side-wall 30 or 40 ft. high and eleven feet thick at the ground.' (Carrigan 1905 vol. 2, 281).

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.

Date of upload: 17 December 2007

References

Carrigan, Rev. W. 1905 (Reprint 1981) The history and antiquities of the diocese of Ossory, 4 vols. Kilkenny. Roberts Books and Wellbrook Press.