Bawn in Bracklin Big

Situated on lowlying poorly drained soils. The earthworks which are present in Bracklin Big are associated with the tower house, known as Bracklin Castle (OF009-019001-) and the destroyed church (OF009-019002-). They are found to the west, south and east of the castle and to the north of the church site. The earthworks run in a haphazard fashion though it is possible to make out the shape of the bawn to the west side of the castle (OF009-019001-). A distinctive earthwork, situated on the east side of the castle runs in a NE-SE direction could be a possible roadway. The earthworks of the castle site were described in 1977 as, 'low mounds of stones to the west of the castle (OF009-019001-). the castle is set in the eastern end of an enclosure of approx. rect.[angular] shape. The perimeter of this enclosure & the western end of the enclosure could be the result of more recent modification. On the north side the perimeter is bounded by a low scarp, on the NW side & west sides this becomes a low bank. This bank continues rather irregularly along the south & east sides. There is a shallow fosse outside on east, south & west. the surrounding are is rather poorly drained pasture land' (SMR file 1977). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 22 December 2011