Settlement deserted — medieval in Knockmant

Earthworks located to N, E and S of castle (WM027-007001-) may be the remains of a deserted medieval settlement which has been partially destroyed by quarrying. Church (WM027-009001-) and graveyard (WM027-009002-) 260m to SE. Ringfort (WM027-066) located 55m to the S. Access road into quarry which is located to the N of the castle site can be seen on Bing Maps aerial photographs taken between 06-07 November 2011 (www.bing.com/maps). Earthworks of this levelled castle site were bulldozed in 1977 (SMR File). Site inspection carried out by the National Monuments Service in 1976 recorded that a small section of the SW angle (H c. 2m) of the castle remains upstanding. The remains of an extensive series of earthworks consisting of low earth and stone banks were noted extending out to the N, E and S of the castle. These earthworks may represent the remains of a deserted settlement of uncertain date. According to local information it was suggested that these earthworks represented the remains of the old village of Killucan (SMR File). Another local tradition recorded that these earthworks represented a clustered settlement where people lived until it was abandoned in the 19th century (SMR File). Oblique aerial photograph taken 15/07/1966 shows extent of earthworks in field prior to quarrying (CUCAP APE020/024). See attached sketch plan of earthworks drawn by Phelim Manning. Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 15 August 2013 This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 5/1977).