Bawn

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated on lowlying poorly drained soils. The earthworks which are present in Bracklin Big are associated with the tower house, known as Bracklin Castle (OF009-019001-) and the destroyed church (OF009-019002-). They are found to the west, south and east of the castle and to the north of the church site. The earthworks run in a haphazard fashion though it is possible to make out the shape of the bawn to the west side of the castle (OF009-019001-). A distinctive earthwork, situated on the east side of the castle runs in a NE-SE direction could be a possible roadway. The earthworks of the castle site were described in 1977 as, 'low mounds of stones to the west of the castle (OF009-019001-). the castle is set in the eastern end of an enclosure of approx. rect.[angular] shape. The perimeter of this enclosure & the western end of the enclosure could be the result of more recent modification. On the north side the perimeter is bounded by a low scarp, on the NW side & west sides this becomes a low bank. This bank continues rather irregularly along the south & east sides. There is a shallow fosse outside on east, south & west. the surrounding are is rather poorly drained pasture land' (SMR file 1977).

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: 22 December 2011