2024:408 - Enniscrone Castle, Carrowhubbuck South, Sligo

An archaeological method statement was submitted with an application for an archaeological license in advance of the conservation repairs to O’Dowd’s Castle, a fortified house located outside Inishcrone, Co Sligo.

It followed the recommendations of the Conservation Management Plan for the site prepared in 2023 under the Community Monuments Fund, in support of an application for further funding under the Community Monuments Fund in 2024 under Stream 1.

The aim of the proposed conservation works were to protect and maintain the existing built and archaeological heritage of Inishcrone Castle, while minimising the impact of the conservation repairs; to carry out specialist repairs to the fortified house to assist in its preservation as well as the health and safety for the public visiting the monument, with the 2024 works prioritising structural stability, weathering and safe access to the base of the walls.

On the basis of the documents submitted a license was issued, with work taking place between September and November 2024. Two small areas were archaeologically investigated as part of the conservation works, the east end of the north wall and the north side of the fireplace in the west wall. Excavations consisted of clearing modern debris to allow for rebuilding and conservation works to take place.

Base of Castle wall and trench at base of wall

Plan of site