Ordnance Tower

On seashore on E side of Cuan Chasla. A well-preserved tower, built in 1811-14, which is elliptical in plan externally but circular internally (D 8.92m, H 12m). A doorway on N side, on 1st-floor level, gives access to living quarters above the magazine, on ground floor, and basement water tank. Mural stairs lead to circular rooftop gun emplacement (D 7.75m) eccentrically placed to give broader parapet on seaward side. It mounted one gun rotating through 360 degrees; parts of the iron traversing platform and the 24-pounder cannon survive. (Kerrigan 1982, 41-3; Gosling 1990) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). Date of upload: 05 August 2010