What is recorded here

Castle Whigsborough stood on a small island called Lough Coura, surrounded by wet marshy land and defended by water before becoming a buried memory. Its circular tower measured only four metres across, yet that small size suggests a fierce private stronghold rather than a grand public seat. The castle probably belonged to someone proud enough to build stone on an island and reckless enough to leave it exposed to flooding, raiding and time. What is left now is a wall fragment and scattered rubble, but the shape still points to a tower that refused to disappear.

Situated on natural rock outcrop (OF030-005002-) on the low-lying floodplains of a nearby river, originally located on a small island known as Castle Island or Lough Coura surrounded by wet marshy land. Little remains of the castle except for a piece of wall fragment and loosely scattered rubble. The building appears to be the remains of a circular tower (approx. int. diam. 4m; wall T 1.2m) with no architectural features visible. To the S of this building there is a lot of loosely piled rubble lying all over the ground surface suggestive of a possible destroyed bawn wall (OF030-005003-). Known locally as Le Porte Castle (ITA Survey 1942). (Cooke 1875, 238; O' Flanagan 1933, vol. 2, 10; Loeber 1988, vol 5, 22) 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 Mac Mahons in the 13th century, Castle Whigsborough was strategically positioned to control local river crossings and trade routes. It is remembered for its defensible location on Castle Island, a key site in medieval conflicts over the surrounding lowlands.

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