Castle Armstrong

Situated on top of a high rocky ledge with a steep drop to the NW with level ground elsewhere. Rectangular three storey high fortified house (ext. dims. 8.7m N-S; 11.8m E-W; wall T 1.5m) with rectangular gable ended chimney stacks and base batter. Attached to SE corner is a later 19th-century bawn wall with original bawn attached to N and S corners of the building. The building is orientated on a NE/SW axis. On the centre of the SE facing wall there is a two centred pointed doorway which gives access to the ground floor and spiral stairs which is located in the S angle from which all rooms are accessed via two centred doorways. Directly above the inside of the doorway there are two barrel vaulted chambers orientated NE/SW running along the SE wall at first floor and second floor levels. Evidence of wickerwork centring on the underside of this vault. The main chambers at first floor and second floor have wooden floors with attic above second floor level. The first floor has a simple fireplace on the S gable wall with tall rectangular chimney stack. The second floor has a similar fireplace and chimney stack on the N gable. Both these rooms are lit by several large rectangular windows set within deep round arched embrasures, possibly later insertions. Blocked garderobe at W angle of the building at first floor level. Curious oriel window protruding from the SW facing wall which is carried on three massive corbels at first floor level. Probable mid 17th-century fortified house. 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

Built by the Armstrong family in the late 16th or early 17th century, Castle Armstrong is remembered as a defensive stronghold in a strategically rugged landscape, reflecting the clan's role in the border conflicts of the period.