Macdermots Castle (in Ruins) — Ballynagran (arklow By., Glenealy Ed)

Situated within a moated site (WI031-002002-) on the summit of a low gently slopped hill with extensive views especially to the S. The remains consist of a vaulted gateway aligned NNE-SSW (L 6.65m; Wth 3.7m), constructed of regular mortared courses with no cut or dressed stone. If symmetric the gateway would have been c. 2.6m wide. Both side-walls are incomplete at the S end, but were probably not much longer. The NW corner is intact but the E wall appears to have continued some distance to the N. A short length of very thick wall (L 1.3m; Wth 1.8m) projects from the E side of the entranceway; there is no indication that this continued further; it may be a buttress or possibly the remains of a perimeter wall. The outer face of the W wall is broken but there is no indication of any adjoining wall on this side. There is no evidence for dating these remains to the 13th century except for the fact that they are sited on a moated site. They may well represent a gateway to a later hall-house or tower house. (O'Flanagan 1928, 120; Price 1936, 47-8) 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 This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 101/1940).