Clonbrock Castle — Clonbrock Demesne

In flat woodland within Clonbrock Demesne and immediately S of the Clonbrock River. In existence in 1574 when it was in the possession of 'Melaghlin McDonell' (Nolan 1901b, 120). A well-preserved and partially restored rectangular six-storey tower (L 13.3m, Wth 11.4m). The pointed arch doorway, now barred with an iron grill, at N end of E wall is defended by a gun loop to S. It opens into a lobby with a murder-hold above. An intramural stairs to S leads to the 1st floor from where the spiral stairs rises in SE angle to 3rd floor. Another spiral stairs in SW angle of this floor leads to roof level. The 2nd and 4th floors each comprise a main chamber with a subsidiary one to S. Corbels and offsets indicate the position of the floors; the ground and 1st floors have been replaced. Mural passages occur in N wall on 1st floor and in S wall on 3rd floor; the former leads to a garderobe in NW angle and there is a second possible garderobe on 3rd floor. Fireplaces survive in E wall on 1st and 3rd floors and in W wall on 2nd and 3rd floors. A string course is visible around the tower at parapet level; slop-stones survive on E and W walls. The N and S gables stand almost of their original height. A later chimney has been inserted in the centre of W wall. There is an angled bartizan on SW corner. Windows consist of simple slits, single-light ogee heads and rectangular two/three lights, some with hood mouldings. A later pointed arch doorway was inserted in N end of W wall; another plain blocked-up doorway is visible above it on 1st floor. These appear to have accessed a later structure which was built up against W wall, however, no visible surface trace of it survives. Three circular towers (D c. 6m) survive to N, E and S of the tower, presumably on the line of the original bawn wall which in now obscured by a later orchard wall. And were converted for use as stores. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. II - North Galway'. Compiled by Olive Alcock, Kathy de hÓra and Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). Date of upload: 05 August 2010