Indicated

In level poorly drained pastureland, c. 100m to the NNE of Meelick friary (GA108-124) and the possible site of a medieval borough (GA108-234----). Prior to drainage works on the river Shannon, this ringwork stood right on the W bank of the old course of the river. It consists of a well-preserved large irregularly shaped platform (53m NE-SW; 40m NW-SE) which is defined by an earthen bank from SE through S to N; elsewhere a scarp forms the enclosing element. There is an entrance gap (Wth 10m) at SW, where the bank splays slightly outwards with possible traces of an approach ramp externally. A small roughly circular depression (diam. c. 3.5m) is visible in the interior to the E of centre. A smaller earthwork (GA108-124003-) lies immediately to the W. According to Madden (1902, 21), the monument was ‘surrounded by tall and stately trees’ but these have since been removed. Possibly the site of the 13th-C de Burgo castle (Sweetman 1999, 9) but see also GA108-124009-. (CUCAP AVN 93) Compiled by: Galway Archaeological Survey, UCG Updated by: Olive Alcock Date of revised upload: 10 December 2019

Friarsland ringwork was likely built in the 13th or 14th century, possibly by a local lord or religious order associated with Meelick friary. Its location near a possible medieval borough and the river Shannon highlights its strategic importance for defense and trade in the region.