Bawn in Carrickabraghy

Carrickabraghy Castle (DG003-002----): Probably 16th century in date this tower-house was occupied by Phelemy Brasleigh O'Doherty in 1600. Granted to Chichester at the time of the Plantation in 1611, it was let to 'Liuetent Hoan, who is bound to rebuild the castle. He hath already finished a good bawne (DG003-002002-) of lyme and stone' (Davies and Swan 1939, 195-7; Hunter 1975, 82). It is prominently sited on a high promontory of outcrop on the seashore. The keep is small and built of rubble with ashlar quoins laid in a coarse sea-sand mortar; the walls are of uneven thickness and are battered to first-floor level. A ragged opening in the E wall is probably the site of the door and some protruding stones at ground level are probably the footings of the splayed ingoings. A pile of rubble 11m N of the keep is probably the remains of some other structure (DG003-002004-). Some .42m SSE of the keep is a stump of a subcircular tower (DG003-002005-). Only a small W segment remains, c. 1.75m high, preserving one complete loop and the N ingoing of another. It is depicted in the early 19th century sketch as being two storeys in height and crenellated. It is, without doubt coeval with the subcircular tower at the SE corner of the keep and may once have formed part of a more extensive bawn. The loop in the E wall of the keep at first floor level is unquestionably in a primary position. If it was intended for musketry, then a date in the 16th century is probable for the tower house (Period 1). Periods 2 and 3 are likely to be contemporary, the latter being simply a secondary defensive addition; they are probably the work of Lieutenant Hoan. The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated. Date of upload: 22 September 2008