Emmel Castle — Emmel West

Situated on flat land in upland area. Five storey high rectangular Tower house with circular tower at NE angle and diagonally opposing bartizans on NW and SE angles at wall-walk level. A large late 17th/early 18th-century gable ended house (OF044-012002-) with two storeys over a basement with protruding gable ended chimney stacks is built onto the E facade of the tower (Bence-Jones 1978, 119). This house covers the original entrance which was protected by a machicoulis directly above at wall-walk level. The crenellated battlements at wall-walk level are constructed from brick and are 19th-century reconstructions. Also inserted in the 19th-century are the large flat headed windows with hood mouldings. The original garderobe chute can be seen at the base of the N wall directly above the oversailing which is carried on corbels from second storey up to wall walk level. This oversailing carries the garderobes and mural passages. Other features visible are a large rectangular chimney stack on the N wall at wall-walk level and an original single light flat headed window with finely punch dressed jambs at ground floor on the S wall. There was no access to interior at time of visit and no other features visible. Probable late medieval tower. 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