Castle - tower house

The National Monuments Service's description

Duncormick was a de Londres fief from the beginning of the Anglo-Norman settlement, but from 1355 the Meiler family become associated with the manor, which is sometimes known as Ballycarroll or Ballymackarvill (Brooks 1950, 106-07). In the Civil Survey (1654-6) 730 acres in Duncormick parish including 40 acres at Duncormick were the inheritance of Nicholas Meyler, and while the castle is listed, ownership cannot be established (Simington 1953, 145, 163). Nicholas Meiler and 22 dependents were listed for transportation in 1653 (Hore 1900-11, vol. 6, 503).

The castle was still standing early in the 19th century when it was described as a tall narrow tower with a doorway close to a corner (Jeffrey 1979, 72-5; Roche 1952). It is situated on a promontory (dims 51m E-W; c. 38m N-S; H 4-6.5m) on the W side of the valley of a N-S stream and in the centre of Duncormick village. There is a wide trench or fosse (Wth of top 13-15m; D 6-6.5m) on the S side of the promontory, which may be natural. It extends west as far as a N-S public road (L c. 100m), curving slightly to the N towards the W end. There is no evidence of an earthwork bank or fosse cutting off the promontory, although the promontory is partly occupied by a house. The motte and bailey (WX046-035001-) is c. 120m to the NE and the church (WX0446-057001) is c. 210m to the ENE, on the other side of the river.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Compiled by: Michael Moore

Date of upload/revision: 19 August, 2013

References

Simington, R.C. (ed.) 1953 The Civil survey, AD 1654-1656. Vol. IX: county of Wexford. Dublin. Irish Manuscripts Commission.

Brooks E.St. J. (ed.) 1950 Knights' fees in Counties Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny (13th-15th century). Dublin. Stationery Office.

Roche, R. 1952 Around the baronies – VI. Duncormick – its history and associations, Part 2. The People, 19-04-1952.