2006:1209 - Manorhamilton Castle, Clooneen, Leitrim

A programme of test-trenching and metal-detection survey was carried out in relation to a request by the National Monuments Section of DOE:HLG for an assessment of previous non-monitored groundworks carried out at the site of Manorhamilton Castle, Clooneen, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim. Testing within the internal area of the castle revealed a degree of ground disturbance associated with modern shed and garage activity within the castle walls, while metal detection of the spoil outside the castle indicated that much of this deposit dated to the associated internal modern activity. Test-trenching also uncovered a paved surface within the courtyard of the castle of probable 17th-century date, the location of a basement level within the interior of the castle and possible internal wall footings within the western half of the castle.