Castle (Site of) — Coololla

On a slight rise on NE outskirts of Aughrim village, the site overlooks an extensive marshy area to N and E. According to Knox (1901b, 370), there was a castle here in 1324 (see GA087-0260----). It was certainly in existence in 1574, when 'Achrim' castle is listed as in the possession of 'Callogh OKelly' (Nolan 1901b, 120). Its condition at the time of the Battle of Aughrim (GA087-127----) is unclear: Jordan (1955, 2) describes it as 'very strong' but Hayes-McCoy (1942, 14) notes it as 'a ruin even then'. Evidently largely gone by the time of 1st ed. of OS 6-inch map when the words 'Site of' are appended (O'Flanagan 1927, Vol. 1, 565). An L-shaped fragment of masonry, mantled in ivy, comprising NE corner of a two-storey building (L >3m, Wth >2.8m) survives. The only architectural features are a slight plinth at the base of the external face of N wall and a small narrow single-light window on 1st floor of same. However, N wall (Wth 1.7m) is notably thicker than E (1.3m). A large but low masonry fragment (L 12m, Wth 2.4m), possibly in situ, lies 3.5m to E of NE corner, its long axis running E-W. These fragments stand just outside SW corner of a rectangular scarped platform (E-W 35m, N-S 26m, H 1.7m max.) on which stands a tall modern cross. Further low scarps and banks are evident immediately to S, possibly indicating the continuation of the wall lines already mentioned. Finally, a long low scarp, running E-W, is also visible to S between the castle and the road. The site of a priory (GA087-067----) lies 195m to SE. 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