Introduction
In 2023, the Enniscrone and District Community Development CLG embarked on a remarkable heritage exploration project, funded by the Heritage Council’s Community Heritage Grant Scheme. At the core of this endeavour lies the ancient Enniscrone Castle, a historical gem intricately woven into the fabric of Enniscrone and Irish history. Its historical significance can be traced back through time, chronicled in venerable texts like the Book of Lecan, the Annals of the Four Masters, Annals of Connacht, and Annals of Ulster. However, these ancient records primarily focus on battles and conquests, leaving the castle’s architectural marvels largely to the imagination.
The earliest known reference to Enniscrone Castle dates back to 1417, concealed within a poetic creation by Giolla Iosa Mor Mac Firbis in the Book of Lecan. This poem, and indeed the book, was composed to commemorate the inauguration of Tadhg Riabhach o’Dubhda as chieftain of the barony of Tireragh around the year 1417. While poetic, these references tantalise with hints about the castle’s design and structure. The exact origins of the castle remain shrouded in historical debate, with various builders associated with its creation, including Risteard Albanach, Albanagh Mor, and the Mhic Fhirbhisigh family.
Throughout its history, the castle witnessed conflicts, sieges, and changes of ownership, with the pivotal 1512 siege by O’Donnell resulting in its deliberate destruction. Over the years, it passed through various hands, eventually falling under the possession of Sir Francis Gore during the Cromwellian confiscations of 1641-1642.
Uncovering the Mysteries of Enniscrone Castle
A Blend of History and Architecture
Nestled on the rugged Irish coast, Enniscrone Castle has sparked numerous debates and discussions among historians and architecture enthusiasts alike. Officially classified as a fortified house by the National Monuments Service, this structure has been labeled with various titles, including ‘castle,’ ‘plantation castle,’ and ‘Jacobean house.’ Here we will continue to refer to it as a ‘castle’ and delve into the intriguing history and unique architecture that define this enigmatic site.
Defense and Elegance
Enniscrone Castle stands out in Ireland’s historical landscape due to its distinctive architectural features. Unlike some castles built earlier, Enniscrone Castle serves a multi-faceted purpose, embodying roles as a defensive fortress, an elite residence, and an administrative center. This diversity sets it apart from the typical Irish tower houses.
One of the most striking aspects of the castle’s design is its sizable ground-floor windows. While they might seem decorative at first glance, their strategic placement allowed for flanking fire from the corner towers, enhancing the castle’s defensive capabilities. Furthermore, the presence of numerous gun loops, potentially up to thirty-two, points to its robust internal defense mechanisms, despite the larger windows. Its location within the landscape provides added security, offering panoramic views to spot potential threats.
A Castle with a Rich Military Legacy
Historical records and folklore confirm the castle’s involvement in conflicts, highlighting its military significance. The ongoing debate revolves around whether the surviving masonry showcases a focus on defense or demonstrates wealth through Renaissance-inspired design elements like symmetry and interior lighting.
The recent in-depth analysis by Frank Jay Hall of University of Galway suggests that defense was the primary objective, evidenced by the castle’s numerous gun loops, likely external defensive features, and the high-quality stonework, which is superior to typical stronghouses but not as refined as larger fortified houses.
Architectural Insights
The remaining portions of Enniscrone Castle consist of three walls (north, south, and west) and two corner towers. Unfortunately, the east wall, northeast, and southeast corner towers are no longer extant.
Standing at about 5.7 meters in height and 0.95 meters in width, the north wall houses the castle’s central entrance, which is inwardly splayed. Two ground-level windows flanking the entrance likely had timber shutters. Beam slots indicate the presence of timber floors at ground and first-floor levels. First-floor windows feature flat stone arches with triangular keystones.
The south wall features three windows each at ground and first-floor levels, shedding light on the castle’s interior. Beam slots suggest timber floors, and plaster render on the interior wall indicates possible room divisions.
Standing at 11.65 meters in height and 4.32 meters in length, the west gable wall features two diamond chimney stacks. Internal fireplaces at ground and first-floor levels are well-preserved, and beam slots indicate the presence of timber floors.
Both the southwest and northwest corner towers are two storeys high with rough stone walls, gun loops, shuttered windows, and beam slots for timber floors.
Although the east gable wall is no longer standing, its foundations are indicated, requiring further investigation.
While Enniscrone Castle’s physical remains provide valuable insights, there are missing elements that historical accounts and architectural analysis can help uncover. The castle’s windows and doors played crucial roles in its function, with various types strategically placed for different purposes. Timber shutters, iron bars, and timber frames contributed to both defense and aesthetics.
Timber was likely used for the roof and floors. The interior layout would have included room divisions, with the ground floor for storage and a kitchen, the first floor for living quarters, and the attic for servants.
The aerial survey carried out by Dr Paul Naessens of Western Aerial Surveys (see more below) suggests the presence of an earthen defensive structure around the castle. Although its exact form remains speculative, it likely consisted of masonry construction, gun loops, and possibly a gatehouse. Interpretation of the site’s remains should be cautious, avoiding the imposition of specific narratives. Some assumptions, like the existence of cellars, may lack supporting evidence.
Hall regards Enniscrone Castle as a remarkable example of a late sixteenth to early seventeenth-century stronghouse, characterized by its blend of comfort and defense. With the diamond-shaped chimney stacks dating the castle to the late 16th century, it stands as a testament to Enniscrone’s rich history. While many questions remain, the castle’s historical and architectural significance cannot be denied, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s past waiting to be further explored and protected
Unveiling Enniscrone Castle's Hidden Treasures
Aerial Survey Insights
Dr Naessens’ aerial survey of this medieval wonder has unearthed a wealth of data, shedding new light on its architectural features and surroundings. The survey’s data collection process employed a trio of cutting-edge techniques: LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), orthophotography, and a digital surface model (DSM). One of the most intriguing revelations of the aerial survey is the wealth of information it unveils about the broader archaeological landscape surrounding Enniscrone Castle. Notably, nearby ringforts and probable megalithic tombs along the esker ridge stand out prominently, emphasizing the castle field site’s central role in this local historical context.
Around the castle’s periphery, various earthworks come into focus. A significant bank encircles the castle, accompanied by a ditch on the outer side of the western rise, specifically west of the castle. While some elements are obscured by overgrowth and modern structures, it’s likely that this bank once constituted an external defense system. This aligns with historical records and architectural patterns that often featured such fortifications.
Drawing comparisons with similar sites provides valuable insights. For instance, Cottlestown Castle, another fortified O’Dowd castle of the sixteenth century, boasts numerous external defensive elements. Similarly, Drumdoe, a MacDermott stronghouse in County Roscommon, features an extensive bawn and gatehouse complex. The aerial survey findings suggest that, like these counterparts, Enniscrone Castle might have employed multiple layers of external defenses, emphasizing the need for protection during turbulent times.
The survey results also hint at a potential north-to-south routeway west of the castle, which may have served as a castle approach. This route, now obscured by time, overgrowth, or incorporated into field walls, raises questions about its historical significance and usage, suggesting both ancient and later functions.
The aerial survey of Enniscrone Castle has revealed a treasure trove of historical insights. From earthworks and external defenses to ancient routeways and the castle’s natural positioning, the data paints a vivid picture of the castle’s role in Ireland’s history. These findings not only enrich our understanding of this medieval marvel but also highlight the significance of aerial surveys in unlocking the mysteries of our past. Enniscrone Castle remains an enigmatic treasure, and the aerial survey digital 3-D modelling of the current structure has added another layer to its intriguing story.
An Artistic Rendition by Philip Armstrong of Enniscrone Castle in its Prime
One of the most highly anticipated elements of the Enniscrone Castle Field Project has been a visual reconstruction of Enniscrone castle.
Philip Armstrong of Paint the Past Archaeological and Historical Reconstruction and Painting was engaged by Enniscrone and District Community Development CLG to undertake this illustration.
“Using the combined expertise of consultants and watercolour art style, I portray a reliable and realistic perspective of long lost monuments and structures dating from the earliest stone age settlements to 20th century buildings”, said Armstrong.
With over 40 years experience and a portfolio of almost 300 works, Armstrong has an impressive pedigree of historical reconstruction and illustration, “I am dedicated to recreating our rich heritage by means of informed graphical reconstruction of many historical sites that have fallen victim to the progression of time”.
Through exhaustive research and extensive surveying, new data has allowed for the most comprehensive artistic rendition of Enniscrone Castle to date.
Dr Paul Naessens’ mapping and Frank Hall’s research and architectural interpretation have been combined to inform Philip Armstrong’s striking recreation of how the building may have looked in its heyday; a castle which once stood strong and square atop the surrounding landscape, at once stylish and fortified, ready to defend and protect its occupants from attack and invasion.
WATCH: Sligo Community Archaeology Project Lunchtime Lecture
As part of Enniscrone and District Community Development CLG public events , the Sligo Community Archaeology Project hosted an online lunchtime lecture in November detailing all the elements of 2023’s project, watch it back at this link
If you would like to read the Castle Archaeological Report compiled by Frank J Hall in more detail please use the following link. You can also download Enniscrone Castle Brochure below.
© All images are subject to copyright and presented here courtesy of Frank J Hall, Dr Paul Naessens, Philip Armstrong and the Enniscrone and District Community Development CLG.
Supported by The Heritage Council
& Sligo County Council Heritage Office
