Castle (in ruins)

On a low knoll near E shore of Lough Corrib. In existence in 1574 when it was in the possession of 'William Gaynard' (Nolan 1901b, 118). It comprises a rectangular keep (L 11.1m, Wth 6.6m) with a small rectangular tower at E corner. Though probably of 13th-C date (Leask 1951, 156-7; Killanin and Duignan 1967, 304-5), it was extensively restored in 1970. It is now two storeys in height but Nolan (1901a, 29) mentions the existence of a third. The original doorway, at 1st-floor level towards S end of SW wall, is now reached by a modern flight of stone stairs. There is also a pointed arch doorway in NE wall on ground floor. At present the internal layout comprises a vaulted ground floor and a 'great hall' on 1st floor lit by five all windows. At NW end of the latter is an en-suite bedroom, surmounted by a gallery. An intramural staircase in NW wall connects the ground and 1st floors. Apart from the en-suit bedroom, the reconstruction appears to reflect the original layout, though the upper section of the walls, along with the roof and parapets, are modern work. Waterman (1956, 74-6) states that the vaulting is original but the presence of wickerwork centring may suggest otherwise. The tower in E corner is described by Nolan (ibid.) as a later addition. It now consists of three storeys, and possibly functioned originally as a garderobe. Most of the windows appear to have been altered. A church (GA055-027002-) lies 490m to NNE and there is an island cashel (GA055-042----) 450m to SW. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. II - North Galway'. Compiled by Olive Alcock, Kathy de hÓra and Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

William Gaynard held Cargin Castle in 1574, and it is remembered as a medieval defensive structure in the landscape of Lough Corrib. Its rectangular keep and small tower reflect typical late medieval design in the region.