Port Island

Situated on a small rocky island in Lough Macnean, c. 500m from the Co. Cavan shoreline and close to the border between counties Cavan and Fermanagh. Possibly the castle of 'Inis-Ochta' where Melaghlin Mac Rannall was imprisoned by Con O'Rourke in 1499 (AFM). Davies (1947a, 83) recorded the foundations of a circular tower (int. diam. 6.8m) comprising a wall of ashlar and mortar (Wth 1.37m) surviving to a height of 1.8m and having a marked batter. He noted 'three deep recesses with loopholes' and speculated that the doorway must have been on the first floor. He also recorded a number of small rectangular stone structures of uncertain age on the island including one on the W side of the tower which was not bonded into the masonry of the main structure. Island is densely overgrown with vegetation rendering inspection impossible. Not visited. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cavan' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1995). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 December 2008

Built in the medieval period, likely by a local Gaelic lord, Port Island Castle is thought to have been held by the O'Rourke dynasty of Bréifne. It is remembered as the site of the death of Melaghlin Mac Rannall, a significant figure in 13th-century Irish history.