Why this matters
Built by an unknown Gaelic family in the late medieval period, Cahernalee Castle is remembered for its possible identification with 'Cowrly' in 16th-century records, offering insight into lesser-documented strongholds in the Galway region.
What is recorded here
In low-lying pastureland overlooking the Dooyertha River the N. This is possibly the castle referred to as 'Cowrly' in the 1574 list of Galway castles (Nolan 1901, 121). It was then in the barony of 'Kingestowne' (Athenry) and was in the possession of 'John Wall'. The tower house has collapsed and all that survives is a grass-over rectangular mound (9.7m N-S; 7.6m E-W) with some large pieces of mortared roughly cut limestone visible. Along the S side a grassed-over section of walling (H 1.5m) appears to be in situ. No architectural features or fragments were evident. The tower house occupies the N half of an associated bawn (GA097-044001-).
Compiled by: Olive Alcock
Date of upload: 30 August 2021
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