Castle - unclassified

The National Monuments Service's description

Located on high ground with good extensive views in undulating countryside. Wall footings of a rectangular building marked on the OS 6-inch map as Faheeran Castle (ext. dims. 9.6m N-S; 14.2m E-W; wall T 0.95m) that is orientated on an E-W axis standing in the E quadrant of a D-shaped enclosure or bawn (OF002-007002-) defined by an earthen bank which has been degraded to a scarp at the W and S and a deep wide outer fosse which has been filled in from N to E. Causewayed entrance at SW gives access to the interior of the bawn. A series of low linear earthworks forming an irregular-shaped pattern may represent possible settlement to the SW of the site, alternatively these earthworks may be the result of land reclamation. It is possible that the D-shaped enclosure pre-dates Faheeran Castle and was later re-used as the bawn of the castle. Alternatively this D-shaped enclosure may be contemporary with the castle representing the earthen defences of the bawn of Faheeran Castle.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). 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: 19 December 2011