Castle (in ruins) — Newcastle Middle

Situated at the W end of a possible ringwork (WI019-005004-) in undulating terrain; the site formed part of the medieval borough of Newcastle (WI019-005----). The remains of a four-storey rectangular gatehouse built of uncoursed rubble with traces of internal plaster. The core of the building is medieval but was considerably altered in post-medieval times. On the W façade above the entrance are three niches with concave limestone frames, probably for armorial plaques. This entrance leads into an E-W barrel-vaulted room with opposing doorways to the left and right (with chamfered granite portals and arches) giving access to narrower vaulted chambers to the N and S. A smaller N-S chamber extends from the NE angle of the building and appears to have been largely subterranean. A linear stairwell rises from the N wall of the main ground-floor chamber leading to a room set between the ground and first-floor levels. This has a large fireplace towards the NW angle. In the E end of the N wall is a window ope with a floor-level chute below. The main first-floor chamber (dims. 6m E-W; 5.5m N-S) is supported by the entrance vault. It has two opposing windows in the E and W walls and a brick fireplace in the SE angle. No partition between this and the previous room survives, nor does the original means of access. Access to a S chamber at this level was via a doorway in the W end of the S wall. Niches immediately above the window level were used to carry the floor supports of the second floor. This second floor is also divided by the wall on the S side from another room to the S. (O'Flanagan 1928, 73-4; Orpen 1908, 126-40; Simpson 1994, 211-12) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 December 2008