Settlement deserted — medieval in Castletown (dunmore By.)

In pastureland immediately to the SE side of a roughly NE-SW running esker ridge. A series of earthworks, covering an area of c. 367m N-S by c. 320m NE-SW and visible across two fields, comprise a number of rectangular and irregular earthen field banks and enclosures, possible house sites and a routeway. The banks vary in base width from 2m to 4m and their maximum height is 1m. Traces of old cultivation ridges are visible in the N half of the complex. The earthworks were formerly overlooked by ‘Tolendal Castle’ (GA016-034----), the site of which is located near the SW end of the esker. They may have extended further to the NE where some may have been destroyed when the road bypassing the Tullenadaly Cross Roads junction was built (SMR file, 1984). The N17 has subsequently been constructed to the W of them. It is possible that the earthworks are the remains of a medieval settlement which was associated with the castle, both of which are recorded in 1618 as part of the holdings of Isaac Lally: ‘the castle, town and lands of Tullendally’ (Cal. pat. Rolls Ire., Jas I). A possible church (GA016-138----) may also be associated. (Alcock et al. 1999, 421) The following images have been uploaded: GA016-035----_01 General view from E; esker visible right background.jpg GA016-035----_02 General view from E.jpg GA016-035----_03 Looking NE.jpg GA016-035----_04 Looking SE.jpg Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 4 February 2022