What is recorded here

Odempsys Castle vanished beneath Ballykean, leaving no trace above ground despite thick rubble foundations and a corner tower documented in the early twentieth century. The east wall likely fed the lane, the west wall surrendered to digging, and the remaining structure dissolved into memory. What is left is a hollow rectangle in the earth, wide enough for twenty yards of shadow and deep enough to swallow every claim of greatness.

Not visible at ground level. According to Davies (1942) the wall foundations of three walls of the castle were still visible. The foundations of three walls 2 feet 3 inches thick (0.7m) were constructed with rubble and mortar. The S wall is in places 3 feet high, the N wall is only a bank. Of the W wall some traces have been dug out; the E wall has gone, being probably absorbed into the lane, at the side of which there seems to be foundations. Internal dimensions N-S 20 yds by E-W 25 yds. Possible late medieval tower house. O' Flanagan (1933, vol. 1, 1-2) mentions the presence of a corner tower and portion of bawn wall. Davies in 1942 (ITA Survey) stated that the foundations of the castle wall were visible and that the S wall was 3 feet high (int. dims N-S 20yds, E-W c. 25yds). No surface remains now visible. OS letters (O'Flanagan 1933, Vol 1, 1) states that the castle had a bawn (OF026-044----). 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

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