Indicated — Rathcline

On a slight rise in pasture overlooking an inlet of Lough Ree c. 320m to the NNW. Traditionally believed to be the residence of the O’Quinn family, who in the early medieval period were known as the ‘Lords of Rathcline’ (Farrell 1891, 329). By the 16th century it was in the hands of the O’Farrells (ibid., 31; Cal. S.P. Ire. 1509-73, 437). In 1627 it was granted to Sir Thomas Dutton (Cal. pat. rolls Ire., Chas. 1, 251) who built a fortified house (LF017-009003-) against its N wall. During subsequent remodelling of this house by Sir George Lane c. 1667 (Brown 1784, vol. 3, 227), the tower house was incorporated into the fortified house and it forms part the E wall of the bawn (LF017-009001-). The latter may be contemporary with the tower house but it was subsequently modified. Only the E wall (T 2.2m) and a section of the S wall (ext. L c. 3.5m; wall T c. 3.5m), both standing three-storeys high, survive of this rectangular tower house (13.7m N-S; 8.3m E-W). The walls are constructed of random rubble limestone with alternating long and short punch-dressed quoin stones. A high pronounced base-batter (H c. 3.2m) is evident. It projects 0.8m beyond the wall-face. The external face of the E wall is ivy-clad making detailed examination impossible. However, the remains of a possible window are visible off-centre to the N on the ground floor. On the first floor a slit ope is evident near the NE angle and to its S, but at a higher level, there is a double garderobe exit chute, similar to that at Castlereagh (LF019-061001-). The internal face of this wall was refaced, possibly in the 17th century when the fortified house was added onto the N side. Joist-holes indicate that the floors were wooden throughout. On the ground floor, centrally located, there is a partially broken-out slit ope. To its N is the blocked-up ope that was noted externally. Large, centrally located, recessed embrasures on the first and second floors may be blocked-up windows. A blocked-up wall cupboard is also visible in the SE angle on the first floor. The dating and classification of this tower house are problematic as so few architectural features survive. The presence of the high and prominent base-batter, its rectangular ground plan and the reuse of a capital with dogtooth ornament in the W gatehouse of the bawn could suggest that it dates from the late 14th or early 15th century. It is possible that it is a transitional-style castle which displays features of both the hall-house type castle and the medieval tower house. According to Brewer (1826, vol. 2, 276), there formerly was a memorial stone (LF017-009006-) ‘fixed in the wall of one of the rooms.’ (Lewis 1837, vol. 2, 491; ITA Survey 1944; Stalley 1991, 76-7) Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 5 July 2012