Sheela-na-gig

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated on a low natural rise in undulating countryside. Remains of four storey tower (OF029-006001-) built with roughly coursed limestone rubble with only N wall and part of W wall surviving. Situated on the external face of the E wall beside the corbel of a destroyed machicolation at battlement level on Garrycastle tower house (OF029-006001-). Described by Freitag as a figure consisting of a ‘large and unusually plump figure with round head, jug ears and simple facial features. Asymmetrical pendulous breasts; both arms in front of body, hands pulling at round vulva; legs splayed’ (Freitag 2004, 133-4). (Cooke 1875, 314; Weir 1980, 62)

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: 05 June 2012

References

Cooke, T.L. 1875 The early history of the town of Birr. Dublin. Robertson.

Freitag, B. 2004 Sheela-na-gigs: unravelling an enigma. London. Routledge.

Weir, A. 1980 Exhibitionists and related carvings in the Irish midlands: their origins and functions. In H. Murtagh (ed.), Irish midland studies: essays in commemoration of N.W. English, 57-72. Old Athlone Society.