Gatehouse in Clonmines

The principal entry to the enclosure or bawn (WX045-012002-) was by a gatehouse (ext. dims. 4.88m E-W; 4.4m N-S) on the S side attached to the W end of the nave of the Augustinian church (WX045-012003-). A pointed arch (Wth 1.73m; H 2.06m) with hinges for a two leaf gate and a slot in the roof for a portcullis leads to a barrel-vaulted entrance passage (Wth 2.1 m; L 4.05m). A destroyed doorway (Wth 1.16m) on the N side and a round-headed doorway of undressed voussoirs (Wth 0.75m) on the W side of the gatehouse lead to a newel stairs at the SW angle that rises to the first floor (int. dims. 4.44m E-W; 2.82m N-S). This room commands the portcullis and has a light in each wall except the E, which is the W wall of the S aisle of the church. The destroyed newel stairs continued to the second floor which was supported on corbels in the N and S walls and has a single light in each wall except the E. A possible doorway on the E wall at the second floor allowed access to the wall-walk of the S aisle of the church. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 22 July, 2013