Bawn

The National Monuments Service's description

Lissamota Castle (LI029-118001-) stands on S side of farmyard with stream 35m to W which marks townland boundary with Bealduvroga. Site of enclosure (LI029-118002-) lies 26m to NNE. Lissamota Castle was described in 1840 as following; ‘The walls are still perfect and are about 60 feet [18.3m] high and 5½ ft. [1.67m] in thickness. It measures 14½ ft. [4.4m] by 11 ft. 10in. [3.6m] on the inside. There are two stone arches still remaining, over the first and second floors; it originally contained 3 other floors, i.e. in all 5 floors. This is a very strong castle; it was surrounded by a lios or earthen rampart, when the name Lios a Móta. Of this lios not a vestige now remains, it having been entirely carried away for manures. Lissamota Castle belonged to the Desmond family’ (OSL vol. 2, 68-9). The Ordnance Survey Letters suggests that the castle had a bawn (LI029-118003-) which was enclosed by an earthen bank known as a Lios or fort. This earthen enclosure was removed in 18th or early 19th century.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 02 August 2019

See attached ASI aerial photographs ASIAP – taken on 04/03/2006.

References

OSL - Ordnance Survey Letters. Letters written by members of the Ordnance Survey's 'Topographical Department' (T. O'Conor, A. O'Curry, E. Curry, J. O'Donovan and P. O'Keeffe) sent to headquarters from the field (1834-41). MSS in Royal Irish Academy.

ASIAP - Archaeological Survey of Ireland Aerial Photographs (c. 1996 - c. 2010).