What is recorded here

Derrydolney may have hidden a medieval castle, but no marker remains to prove it. The known building dates to 1684, when Philip Molloy and Mary Molloy erected a house proud enough to declare itself defender of the faith. The older castle has vanished into soil and story, leaving only a room in time where certainty stops.

The precise location of a possible medieval castle in the townland of Derrydolney has not been identified. It may have been located in close proximity to Derrydolney House. An armorial plaque (OF023-011002-) dates the construction of a building at Derrydolney to the year 1684 and is incorporated into the wall of Derrydolney house. This 1684 building may have been a fortified house but the late date would suggest that it may have been a late 17th century undefended house. The inscription reads ' This house was erected by Philip Molloy and Mary Molloy his wife in the year of our Lord God 1684, in the three and thirteenth years of the reign of Charles II, by the grace of God, King of England and Scotland, and France and Ireland. Defender of the Faith.' (ITA Survey 1942) 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. Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 23 June 2016

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