What is recorded here

Faheeran Castle stands as a rectangular ruin inside a D-shaped earthen bawn on high ground in County Offaly, Ireland. The castle measured 9.6 metres north-south and 14.2 metres east-west with walls nearly a metre thick. Its causewayed southwest entrance opened onto the enclosure, while low linear earthworks scatter to the southwest. The bawn may have existed before the castle or risen with it, suggesting the place layered human ambition across centuries rather than appearing in a single dramatic moment.

Located on high ground with good extensive views in undulating countryside. Wall footings of a rectangular building marked on the OS 6-inch map as Faheeran Castle (ext. dims. 9.6m N-S; 14.2m E-W; wall T 0.95m) that is orientated on an E-W axis standing in the E quadrant of a D-shaped enclosure or bawn (OF002-007002-) defined by an earthen bank which has been degraded to a scarp at the W and S and a deep wide outer fosse which has been filled in from N to E. Causewayed entrance at SW gives access to the interior of the bawn. A series of low linear earthworks forming an irregular-shaped pattern may represent possible settlement to the SW of the site, alternatively these earthworks may be the result of land reclamation. It is possible that the D-shaped enclosure pre-dates Faheeran Castle and was later re-used as the bawn of the castle. Alternatively this D-shaped enclosure may be contemporary with the castle representing the earthen defences of the bawn of Faheeran Castle. 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 by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 19 December 2011

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