Castle - tower house

The National Monuments Service's description

In gently undulating pasture, in demesne of Stoneville House. Circular ivy-clad tower (diam. c. 9m), standing to two storeys, built of uncoursed limestone rubble, with base batter; NE side of tower has collapsed into pile of rubble. Tower is late-medieval but was refitted in 18th/19th century, probably as demesne feature. Ground floor is solid; face of what appears to be stump of bonded wall (L 0.45m) protrudes from base of tower at S end of rubble pile. First floor approached via mural stairs (side walls and roof are gone) in NW side of tower; this gave access to NW corner of square room (L 4.54m E-W). Window embrasures in SE and SW corners; SW embrasure has been rebuilt but inside of SE embrasure retains original lintel and relieving arch. Tall recesses with pointed arch in centre of E and W walls; both now missing N ends; ledge for stone seat along S wall. Second floor chamber also square and missing N side. In SE and SW corners are window embrasures; SW embrasure covered by lintel and retains S jamb and flat head of single light, with chamfered outer edge; SE window almost entirely ruined. In centre of W wall is lintelled wall press. Top of walls obscured by ivy.
This tower stands 9.5m outside S wall of walled garden. West wall of same garden incorporates two sections of older wall, probably associated with tower. The two sections are higher and thicker than the rest of this wall (H c. 4.5m; Wth 0.9m- rest of wall: H c. 3m; Wth 0.7m). They are built of uncoursed limestone rubble, but have no base batter.
According to Westropp (1906-7, 209, 215) remains either of Ardgowlebegg or Cloghtrida Castle; two adjoining townlands are Ardgoulbeg and Cloghatrida.

Compiled by: Denis Power

Date of upload: 26 August 2011