Mound

The National Monuments Service's description

Today there are no surface remains visible of possible 16th-century tower house (OF024-026001-) (ITA Survey 1942; Shaw 1971, 61-2; Loeber 1988, vol. 3, 36-7). The 1838 ed. of the OS 6-inch map shows Garbally Castle standing on top of a mound which is hachured and this mound is partially indicated on the revised 1908 ed. of the OS 6-inch map. The castle site and this mound was described in 1942 as being situated 'on a low slightly isolated ridge in open undulating country, beside a hollow which may have contained water. A lone pear-shaped artificial mound, 54 [48.6m] x 20 [18m] yds. 8 feet [2.4m] high at SW and sloping down to 3 feet [0.9m] on NE. On it are a few foundations of mortared walls, with one corner; but much has probably been dug away, and no plan can be made. In the adjoining cottage are a good many squared stones probably from the castle and a side jamb of an unglased window with barholes, 29 inches [0.73m] between transomes of section. Perhaps XVIth century' (ITA Survey 1942). In 1974 the castle site was described by the Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society as, 'the remains of this slight mound of loose stone have now been removed' (OHAS file 1974).

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.

Date of upload/revision: 29 December 2011