What is recorded here

Kilcolgan Beg, County Offaly: a castle vanished into a field, leaving only a bevelled doorcase, one narrow window and a floral-cut stone for Danny Coughlan to keep. The shape suggests a proud sixteenth or seventeenth century house, the kind that admitted light sparingly and showed its craftsmanship at the threshold. A wide wall once crossed the land, perhaps belonging to a second castle, but the earth has taken back most of the answer.

Unlocated castle within the townland of Kilcolgan Beg. Described in 1980 by the Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society as 'A rise in Danny Coughlans field has scattered remains of castle features. These include pieces of a doorcase. Bevelled and splayed. Fine craftmanship. Also remains of a single light window or windows. Would seem to be 16th or 17th century. Mr. Coughlan has a cut stone with floral patterns on it. The Down Survey (1655-6) barony map has two buildings marked at Kilcolgan. Was there two castles here at one time? Mr. Coughlan also came across traces of a wide wall whilst bulldozing some years ago.' (OHAS field notes). There are historical references to a castle at Kilcolgan Beg in the 17th century (Cal. pat. rolls Ire., Jas I., 542) and also mentioned in the Book of Survey and Distribution (R. Loeber pers. comm.) 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: 22 June 2016

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