What is recorded here

Black Castle in Ballyheashill, County Offaly, is a ruined rectangular tower house with two surviving walls of rubble limestone. Its north and east sides have collapsed, leaving an inter mural stair in the west wall that still reaches the first floor. The plain splayed openings and cubby holes suggest a small, practical stronghold rather than a grand display, perhaps watched over by someone who valued defense more than decoration.

Rectangular-shaped tower house (max. ext. dims. 8.45m N-S, 12.65m E-W, wall T. 1.25m) probably no more than two storeys high. N and E walls collapsed, S and W walls built with rubble limestone and have slight base batter. Almost featureless except for cubby holes, plain splayed opes and an inter mural stairs in W wall which give access to first floor level. Possible earthworks at NE side of castle. 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. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

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