Bawn in Lismalin

Described in the Civil Survey (1654-6) as a 'good castle with bawne & twelve cabbins' which had been 'lately repaired at the states charge' (Simington 1931, vol. 1, 123). Pierce (Butler) Lord Viscount of Ikerryn is listed as proprietor in 1640 (ibid.). According to the survey the castle of Lismalin was 'inhabited with a strong bawne repayred at the states charge' (ibid., 101). Situated atop low rock outcrop on a N-facing slope of rising ground in upland area with good extensive views from W through N to E, higher ground to S, small streame to W. Remains of bawn (approx. ext. dims. 46m N-S; 40m E-W; wall T 0.85m) are visible to the N and E of the tower house (TS055-065001-), elsewhere the bawn wall no longer survives. Two-storey farmhouse (ext. dims. 6.5m N-S; 13m E-W) of 17th/18th-century date built into NE angle of bawn utilising the N wall of the bawn as the wall of the farmhouse, N wall of bawn survives intact for a length of 21.5m where it meets the modern driveway into the interior of the bawn where the original entrance may have been located. 20th-century cottage built inside bawn near NW angle of original bawn wall which no longer survives along this side. The E side of the bawn wall which is well preserved survives approx. 3m high, a portion of the SE angle wall return of the bawn survives, no other remains of bawn visible along S and W sides of tower house. Bawn wall constructed of limestone rubble with no base-batter visible. Wall protruding from SE angle of bawn may be the remains of an earlier bawn wall of a smaller size, while the larger bawn to the N and E of the tower may be a larger bawn constructed in the 17th century as mentioned in the Civil Survey. Original entrance to bawn no longer visible but originally would have been located at centre of N wall where modern driveway into 20th century cottage now located. Modern cottage possible located on N wall and NW wall return of bawn wall, stream immediately to W of cottage and would delimit extent of bawn. Interior of bawn obscured by several farm outhouses and two farm dwellings. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 26 August 2011