Bawn in Ballyduagh (railstown Par.)

In improved pasture, on a level area of an ENE-facing slope, located within a complex of deserted settlement (TS061-095----). A 17th-century house (TS061-095003-) is within the interior, off-centre to W, where it is cut slightly into the slope to create a level foundation. The bawn consists of a sub-oval area (dims. 65.8m ENE-WSW; 41m NNW-SSE) defined by curvilinear scarp (Wth 3m; H 1m) NE-ESE, a shallow linear fosse-like depression (overall Wth 3.2m; basal Wth 0.8m; D 0.2m) at S, the remains of levelled curvilinear scarp (Wth 4m; H 0.05m) SW-NW and a shallow linear fosse-like depression (overall Wth 3m; basal Wth 1m; D 0.1-0.3m) at N (as per S side). There is a causeway (Wth 12m) at ESE. There is a lot of stone protruding from the scarp in the SE sector, perhaps the remains of a stone revettment. The fosse (overall Wth 3.2m; basal Wth 2m; D 0.2m) NE-ESE is water-filled and corresponds to a semi-circular pond depicted on the 1952-54 revision OS 6-inch map. The interior slopes down gently to ENE, though in the ENE sector the ground has been raised and levelled off to compensate for the slope. Though this monument may have been reused, it is possible that it was built as an oval bawn for the 17th-century house. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of revised upload: 06 December 2011