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ODempsys Castle in ruins — Ballykean

Castle — tower house
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What is recorded here

Not visible at ground level. According to Davies (1942) the wall foundations of three walls of the castle were still visible. The foundations of three walls 2 feet 3 inches thick (0.7m) were constructed with rubble and mortar. The S wall is in places 3 feet high, the N wall is only a bank. Of the W wall some traces have been dug out; the E wall has gone, being probably absorbed into the lane, at the side of which there seems to be foundations. Internal dimensions N-S 20 yds by E-W 25 yds. Possible late medieval tower house. O' Flanagan (1933, vol. 1, 1-2) mentions the presence of a corner tower and portion of bawn wall. Davies in 1942 (ITA Survey) stated that the foundations of the castle wall were visible and that the S wall was 3 feet high (int. dims N-S 20yds, E-W c. 25yds). No surface remains now visible. OS letters (O'Flanagan 1933, Vol 1, 1) states that the castle had a bawn (OF026-044----). 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. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

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