What is recorded here

Galbally holds a ghost tower buried beneath ordinary ground. In 1942 the mound still stood eight feet high with mortared walls and a window jamb bearing barholes, but by 1974 even the loose stone had vanished. The castle did not fall; people removed it, perhaps fetching squares for a cottage or clearing the ridge for something more useful. What was taken is gone, but the shape of the taking remains visible in the absence itself.

Not visible at ground level. Possible 16th-century tower house (OF024-026001-) (ITA Survey 1942; Shaw 1971, 61-2; Loeber 1988, vol. 3, 36-7). Described in 1974 by the Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society that 'The remains of this slight mound (OF024-026002-) of loose stone have now been removed' (OHAS file 1974). 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 x 20 yds. 8 feet high at SW and sloping down to 3 feet 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 (OF024-026003-) probably from the castle and a side jamb of an unglased window with barholes, 29" between transomes of section. Perhaps XVIth century' (ITA Survey 1942). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

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