Castle - tower house

The National Monuments Service's description

Located to the E of a medieval church (OF024-036----) are the poorly preserved remains of a Tower house which is difficult to examine. From the remains it appears that the site had a ground plan of rectangular shape which was divided into two areas of which the cross wall can still be seen. The external dimensions of the castle measured approx. 10m N-S by 17m E-W with a possible bawn wall attached to the E side of the castle. The castle walls measured 1.5m thick and had a pronounced base batter. O' Molloy castle (Shaw 1971, 47-8).

Site of Ancient Abbey founded by St. Illand in the sixth century (O' Flanagan 1933, vol. 2, 47-8). Located on a slight rise of ground with good extensive views with a motte (OF024-036003-) nearby. Poorly preserved rectangular church (OF024-036----). Modern pathway to the S replaced the original enclosure around the church which was discovered during recent renovations to the graveyard. Located in the graveyard wall is a decorated stone with the remains of a single ogee headed niche with hollowed spandrels which originally were a pair possibly the remnants of a decorated aumbry. There is a punch dressed border around this niche. Unfortunately recent local restoration to the church and graveyard has obscured the original remains of the church and possible enclosure. Probable remains of a late medieval church contemporary with the nearby tower house (OF024-036002-).

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: 23 May 2011

This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 3/1986).

References

Shaw, Rev. A.L. 1971 Parish of Killoughy. Offaly.

O'Flanagan, Rev. M. (Compiler) 1933 Letters containing information relative to the antiquities of the King's County collected during the progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1839. Bray.