Bawn in Rockfleet — Report the wrong picture

What is recorded here

Rockfleet is a tower house in County Mayo where a bawn wall and small circular tower still stood when Mr and Mrs S.C. Hall visited in the early 1840’s. They described Carrig-a-Hooly as savage strength, with a square keep, narrow windows and a projecting barbican traced at one corner. The enclosing wall and adjoining tower have since disappeared, leaving only the tower house and the memory of a defended rock-born place.

At Rockfleet tower house (MA067-025001-). An enclosing wall, possibly the remnants of a bawn, was still standing in the early 1840’s when Rockfleet was visited by Mr and Mrs S.C. Hall. In the published account of their travels around Ireland, they described Rockfleet as follows: ‘Carrig-a-Hooly…consists of a square keep of solid masonry, the surface being scarcely broken by a few windows of exceedingly small and narrow dimensions. At one corner the ruins of a projecting barbican may be traced –the whole character of the building being that of savage strength. It stands upon the rock, and appears to have been protected by a strong surrounding wall, a small circular tower adjoining it being built in the remains of this wall.’ (Hall 1843, vol. 3, 390-391). No trace of the enclosing wall and small tower are now evident. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 13 November 2020

Built by the O'Flaherty clan in the 15th or 16th century, Rockfleet Castle and its associated bawn were important defensive structures in west Connacht. The site is remembered for its historical association with the powerful and often rebellious O'Flahertys, who resisted English authority in the region.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.