Borris Castle (in ruins)

Situated on a level landscape, with a N-S stream c. 160m to the NW. In 1583 the castle of Borrishamon was leased to Sir Thomas Materson (Jeffrey 1979, 219), and the Civil Survey (1654-6) records a descendent, Edward, as the proprietor of a 'small broken castle' together with 1000 acres in Borris, Kiltilly, Knocknalour, Ballynaberny adn Ballycadden townlands in Kilrush parish(Simington 1953, 261). This is a rectangular grass-covered area (dims 31m N–S; 26m E-W) defined by a scarp (H 1.5m) at E, a slight moat (Wth 8m) at S and W, and a wall and gatehouse at the N side. The gate-house is placed close to the NW angle and consists of two walls of a passage (int. Wth 2.5m; L 5.35m) but the vault is largely destroyed. One hinge stone from a draw bridge survives, and there is a long draw-bar socket (L 4m) on the E side. The wall on the N side extends beyond the gatehouse, and there is also a fragment of wall on the E side. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 10 April, 2012 Amended: 13 May, 2014