The Sconce — Ballykean

Large almost square shaped enclosure (int dims c. 66m N-S, c. 64m E-W) delimited by a U-shaped fosse (W 3.80m-6.50m) and external bank (ext. H 0.50m). Peat at NE angle. Possible entrance feature in centre of S side.According to OS letters (O'Flanagan 1927, Vol 1, 1) there was possibly a wooden house inside the enclosure belonging to the chiefs of Clanmaliere. Located on flat poorly drained land with bog immediately to the N and good flat pasture land on all other sides. To the W of this site there is a destroyed tower house (OF026-018----) of which there are no surface traces visible and a medieval church (OF026-017001-) which still survives nearby. A very good example of a moated site with distinctive rounded corners and flat U shaped fosse with evidence that it previously contained water. The site consists of a raised square shaped platform (59.4m N-S; 66m E-W; ext. H 2.1m) which is enclosed by a poorly preserved earthen bank , wide flat bottomed fosse (Wth 6m) with external bank (Wth 3m; ext. H 0.5m; int. H 1m). Possible leat at the NE angle. The site is locally known as the 'Sconce' meaning a raised area. Possible evidence for an entrance feature survives on the S side of the site where the external bank shows signs of disturbance. On the 1654 map of Offaly a large house is depicted inside the moat in the centre of the platform, possible remains of this house show up on the Cambridge aerial photographs along with possible destroyed entrance feature. According to O' Flanagan (1933, vol. 1, 1) this entrenchment was thrown up to protect a wooden house known locally as 'The Frame House'. 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