Castle (in Ruins) — Newcastle Middle

Situated at the W end of an E-W ridge and forming part of the medieval borough of Newcastle (WI019-005----). Earliest references to the castle formerly known as Newcastle McKynegan date to c. 1210-13 (Orpen 1908, 129). Circular level platform (summit dims. 63m E-W; 62m N-S; max. base dims. 102m E-W; 88m N-S) fashioned from a natural ridge and defined by a steep scarp. There are very slight traces of an earthen bank (Wth 3-4m; max. H 0.3m) around the W, N and E edges of the platform. At the E there is a wide fosse (Wth 5m; D 1m) at the foot of the platform scarp which cuts the site off from the rest of the ridge on which it sits. The base of the fosse is 4m below the platform and less than 1m below the external ground level at the E. To the N and S the fosse levels out into a narrow terrace (Wth 5m at the S; 2-5m at the N; Wth of fosse 5-6m at the W). At the W end of the platform are the remains of an Anglo-Norman stone castle/gatehouse (WI019-005002-) which gives access to the interior of the ringwork in a similar manner to the castle earthwork at Castle Kevin (WI024-003001-). A causeway (Wth 5m) occurs directly opposite the entrance to the castle and 10m to the W of it. A possibly cobbled approach to the stone castle fans out towards the castle angles from the causeway, edged with a setting of small stones. (CUCAP, BDE 17) The cropmark of a semi-circular shaped ditch can be seen on aerial photographs which could be the remains of an outer bailey (www.bingmaps.com) (SMR file). 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. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 16 November 2012