Castle

On a NE-facing slope in poorly drained pasture. In 1261 a castle was built by ‘John de Verdun in Magh-dumha [Moydow] in Muinter-Ghilgan’ (ALC, 444). In 1295 it was razed by Sefraid O Fergail [O’Ferrall]’ (Ann. Conn., 195). The index of the Annals of Connacht indicates that this castle, described as ‘Caislen Moige Duma’ (Moydow Castle), was constructed in the townland of Bawn near the modern townland of Moydow (Ann. Conn., 814). It comprises a raised rectangular platform (c. 72m NE–SW; c. 48m NW–SE) defined by a scarp with a very wide, deep, external fosse (Wth 11.2m; D 1.1-4m) evident along the NW and NE sides, where the external face of the platform appears to have been retained by stone wall-facing. Elsewhere the fosse has been filled in. In the 17th-century a fortified house (LF019-005002-) was built in the E sector of the interior and its associated bawn wall (LF019-005001-) runs along the perimeter of the NE and NW sides of the platform. It is possible that this bawn wall may be the remains of the curtain wall of the castle. A 19th-century wall runs along on the SE and SW sides. The remains of a courtyard in the SE quadrant are associated with Bawn House, a 19th-century house that has been levelled. A small stone bridge (LF019-005004-) at the E angle of the platform is probably contemporary with this house. A modern farmhouse is situated in the SW quadrant. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 12 April 2012

John de Verdun built the Anglo-Norman masonry castle at Moydow in 1261; it was destroyed in 1295 by Sefraid O Fergail during local resistance against Norman expansion. Its construction and subsequent razing reflect the contested nature of Norman settlement in the region during the late 13th century.