Tower; Tower — Moorstown (inishlounaght Par.)

On an E-facing slope on limestone outcrop, in undulating pastureland. A tower house (TS076-039001-) is situated 0.52m from the middle of the W wall. The bawn (int. dims. 56.4m N-S; 39m E-W at N end and 43.3m E-W at S end) is constructed of limestone walling, rubble filled with clay mortar (int. H c. 3.6-5m including parapet) with external lime render and a very slight, gradual base-batter. There is a gatehouse on the E wall, opposing circular angle towers on the NE and SW angles, while the NW and SE angles are rounded. The SW angle tower was modified in 18th or 19th century and an external doorway inserted. The gatehouse consists of a vaulted passage (H c. 5m; Wth 2.2m), with a portcullis slot and murder hole between two lower cut-stone arches (H c. 3.2m) at the E end of the passage way. A guardroom (int. dims. 2.28m N-S; 5.15m E-W; W wall T 0.67m; N wall T 0.93m; S wall T 1.17m) on the N side of the passage consists of one storey with a vaulted loft and is entered on the N side through a flat-headed doorway with high threshold to step over. The S wall of the bawn (T 1.34-1.4m; H 2.1m) has a narrow inserted entrance (Wth 1.29m). Three modern concrete stables have been built up against the internal W face. Also utilising the W internal face of the bawn, which is built on rock outcrop, is a house of possible 18th-century date located beween the modern stables and the tower house. It is constructed of limestone rubble with mostly brick surrounds and the fireplace on the S wall has a brick oven. External ground level along the W wall comes up to first-floor level of this later house. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 16 September 2013