Settlement cluster in Clonamicklon

On flat, level terrain with very good views to the N and W. The view S and E is dominated by the Slieveardagh hills. An Anglo-Norman masonry castle (TS049-002001-) was built at Clonamickon c. 1306 by John Butler, son of Edmond Butler, the first Earl of Carrick. The Civil Survey (1654-6) lists ‘Pierce Lord Viscount Ikeryn Irish Papist’ as the proprietor of ‘Clonomilcon’ in 1640 and ‘Upon this land stands a good castle, a slate house with a large bawne & some houses abroade’ (Simington 1931, vol. 1, 128). On the Down Survey map (1655-58) the castle is depicted with five houses which may suggest that there was a settlement associated with the castle. Archaeological excavations 13.6m N of the castle revealed a drainage ditch and a sub-rectangular ditch (Moran 1996). According to the excavator, the sub-rectangular ditch and associated pits, surface and soil which accumulated over these features suggests there was occupation to the E of the ditch, though no datable evidence was recovered (ibid.). There is no visible trace of a settlement above ground. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 09 January 2012