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The site of the Black Castle is shown immediately E of the motte (KD019-030009-) on the OS 6-inch map. According to Bradley et al. (1986 vol. 4, 350), it may also have been known as Lyard's Castle. In 1979 rescue archaeological excavations took place at Nos. 14, 15 and 16 Main Street North, an area of c. 1400 m-square adjacent to the motte, and in the environs of the suggested location of the castle. Previous site clearance of most of the area had exposed natural gravel and archaeological deposits survived only as a 13th C circular stone-lined pit, a cess pit and part of a 14th century wall. Finds included some one hundred pottery sherds of local ware including eleven sherds of 'Leinster cooking ware'. The ring from a medieval ring-brooch and three sherds of early 16th century Beauvais medallion jugs (both green and yellow) were found in disturbed contexts. (www.excavations.ie; Murtagh 1983-4, 355-61)
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
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