Bawn in Stradbally

In undulating countryside. O'Moores castle (LA014-039002-) in Stradbally was surrounded by a fosse (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 327) which may have been the fosse of a bawn belonging to O'Moores castle. Described in 1907 as 'this castle was surrounded by a fosse, and it is said to have been called the Castle of Palace' (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 327). No visible surface remains. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. 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: 09 December 2011

The Bawn in Stradbally was associated with O'Moore Castle and likely built by the O'Moore family, a prominent Gaelic clan in Leinster, during the late medieval period. It is remembered as part of a defensive complex that reflects the strategic and territorial significance of the O'Moore estates in the region.