Cromwells Barrack (in ruins)

On a rocky headland commanding the entrance to Bofin Harbour, on S side of Inishbofin. A well-preserved, roughly rectangular fort (L 32.6m, Wth 22.85m) built of local stone with limestone quoins, now mostly robbed. The entrance, via round-headed gate, is midway along SE side, flanked by symmetrical spear-shaped artillery bastions at E and S corners. The N and W bastions are of variable design; that at N, overlooking the harbour entrance, is of irregular plan (L c. 8.2m, Wth c. 6.1m), while W one is a small rectangle with musket loops. Near it is a small semicircular turret on SW wall. In the interior is a courtyard with a blocked well, flanked on three sides by ruined buildings. Built 1656-7, apparently incorporating some works constructed there during the Confederate period; local tradition asserts that it was previously occupied by 'Bosco's Castle'. (Walsh 1990a; Molloy 1988; Westropp 1911, 69-72) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). The attached image (GA009D023----_01.jpg) shows the landscape setting of 'Cromwell's Barrack'. Note the the quay wall feature to the east just north of the shingle beach. The attached aerial image (GA009D023----_02.jpg) of 'Cromwell's Barrack' was taken in 1982. Date of upload: 21 January 2014

Cromwells Barrack is a well-preserved, roughly rectangular early-medieval ringfort situated on a rocky headland on Port Island, Inishbofin. It is associated with local folklore referring to "fairy forts," and its strategic location suggests it may have served both defensive and ceremonial purposes.