What is recorded here

Moystown Demesne held a square bawn defended by a deep moat, though the castle inside was demolished in 1548. By 1942 the ruins had become insignificant weeds and bushes, yet the moat still stood proud around the empty ground. That water boundary has since disappeared beneath fill dirt, leaving only a faint earth ridge where a deadly defensive line once cut the air. The place retains the shape of a box that no longer needs locking, inviting imagination to populate the vacant chamber.

Not visible at ground level. Mac Coghlan castle (OF022-003001-) demolished in 1548. Described in 1942 as 'the ruins are very insignificant and are very overgrown with weeds and bushes. A very well preserved moat surrounds the former castle' (ITA Survey 1942). This moat appears to have formed the enclosing feature of the bawn of Moystown Castle. This moat defended a square-shaped bawn as indicated on the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map with castle (OF022-003001-) located in S quadrant of the bawn. The moat has been filled in since 1942 and today the outline of the bawn area is barely visible as a low earthwork. (Cooke 1875, 335-6; O' Flanagan 1933, vol. 1, 58) 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/revision: 29 December 2011

The Moystown Demesne was held by the Mac Coghlan family, and its castle was demolished in 1548, likely due to conflict or political upheaval during the 16th century. It is remembered for its well-preserved moat, which remains a notable archaeological feature despite the site's overgrown and insignificant ruins.

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