Castle (in ruins)

Situated on an elevated site in undulating countryside. A rectangular hall-like structure (dims. 17.35m E-W, 6.85m N-S; wall T 0.9m), now two storeys high and with the remains of a S projecting tower in the SW angle and a later extension off the NW angle. A series of opes at first and second floor level in the S wall. The doorway, with the remains of an outer doorway is in the W end of the S wall. It's remaining archstone is hammer dressed with a fine tool margin which dates it to the late sixteenth-century. There is the remains of a murder-hole inside the outer doorway. There is a large fireplace with an oven at the N side of it in the W gable. There is no evidence of a stairwell. There is a possible bawn wall (LA027-016001-) attached to the E end. Marked on the Down Survey (1655-6) map 'supposed to be the ruins of a fortress' (O'Flanagan 1933, 91). Described in the OS letters as 'There are old walls in the Townland of Garrison which are supposed to be the ruins of a fortress, but the people know nothing of its history' (O'Flanagan 1933, vol. 1, p. 36). 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. Date of upload: 17 December 2007