Leitra Castle

Situated on a rise of ground on natural island surrounded by bog. Small two storey square shaped house (6.5m N-S; 6.2m E-W; wall T 0.9m) built with roughly coursed limestone rubble with wooden floor carried in small rectangular joists. Access by a destroyed flat headed door at the centre of E wall which gives access to the ground floor which is lit by two gun loops in the W wall and a destroyed window at E end of N wall. Possible wooden stairs located against S wall because of lack of features indicating floor joists . The first floor is well lit by four large windows one in each wall with a fireplace built into the NE angle of the room with rectangular chimney stack above. No dressed stone visible. Probably 17th-century in date with possible destroyed bawn to the E of the building. 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: 23 May 2011

Leitra Castle is a small medieval stone structure, likely built in the late medieval period, reflecting early defensive or rural habitation in a remote, naturally fortified location. Its significance lies in its adaptation to a challenging landscape, illustrating local building techniques and settlement patterns in peatland areas.