Enniscrone Castle Field Project reveals archaeological and aerial survey findings
A COMPREHENSIVE community awareness project dedicated to promoting research and ensuring the long-term conservation and management of heritage sites in Enniscrone Castle Field has been successfully completed.
The project has been completed by the Heritage sub-committee of Enniscrone and District Community Development CLG, through funding provided by the Heritage Council's Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2023.
Enniscrone Castle's storied past can be traced back to Tadgh Riabhach O'Dubhda, the King of Tireragh, whose reign was celebrated by Giolla Iosa Mor Mac Firbis in the Book of Lecan and whose demise at the castle was recorded in the Annals of the Four Masters in 1432.
Renowned for his support of the arts and the church, he elevated the castle into a cultural centre of its era.
Over the centuries, Enniscrone Castle changed hands multiple times with the O'Dowdas, Croftons, Nolans, O'Donnells, O'Caomhains and Burkes all claiming residency at various stages in its history. Perched on a commanding esker ridge offering panoramic views of Killala Bay, the castle holds immense archaeological and architectural significance.
The surrounding Castle Field features at least five recorded archaeological monuments spanning various historic and prehistoric periods. Aerial LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) surveys conducted by Dr. Paul Naessens from Western Aerial Survey have unveiled previously unseen aspects of Enniscrone Castle Field. LiDAR technology, utilising laser pulses to create intricate 3-D maps, penetrated through vegetation and trees, offering an unprecedented view of the site's geography and history. The survey detailed ringforts, Valentine's Church, possible megaliths and the potential presence of an outer defensive bawn or fortified enclosure surrounding the castle.
Oblique aerial photographic data was also captured by Impact GIS as part of 7L Architects' conservation plan for the castle. This has been funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's Community Monuments Fund 2023. This data was processed using specialist software to create a detailed model of the fabric of the castle itself.
The results have proven invaluable as a resource to both Frank Jay Hall of University of Galway in his archaeological survey of the castle for this project and Fergal McNamara of 7L Architects in his conservation report on the existing structure. Hall's research and analysis suggests that Enniscrone Castle, long considered a fortified house, may also be classified as a stronghouse due to its extensive defensive features. The four corner towers and evidence of exterior defensive elements emphasise its formidable nature.
“Enniscrone Castle is an important historical site in a rich archaeological landscape, and though it stands in a state of deterioration, there is much to be learned from what remains today.
The results of the LiDAR and aerial survey data display the archaeological wealth present in the surrounding landscape, while the remains of Enniscrone Castle itself give many clues into its past. The banks surrounding the site may give us a clue as to the wider castle yard and enclosure. The architectural remains meanwhile show that the castle would have been a comfortable and fashionable residence in addition to a stronghold protected by numerous defensive features”, said Hall.
Philip Armstrong of Paint the Past Archaeological and Historical Reconstruction and Painting provided a visual reconstruction of Enniscrone Castle.
With a wealth of experience spanning over 40 years and nearly 300 works in his portfolio, Armstrong's reconstruction will be unveiled at the open event taking place on November 23rd and offers a reliable and realistic depiction of the castle's appearance in its prime. As Enniscrone Castle Field continues to unveil its secrets, it stands as a testament to the enduring cultural and historical significance of this striking landmark.
Local archaeologist Angela Wallace of Atlantic Archaeology and project coordinator stresses the significance of community engagement and awareness in preserving Enniscrone Castle Field for future generations.
It is intended the research report will be made freely available on the Discover Enniscrone website and a recorded talk on the results will be uploaded to the Sligo Community Archaeology project YouTube Channel towards the end of November. It is hoped the beautiful reconstruction illustration by Philip Armstrong can be displayed eventually in a prominent location in the village and on signage at the site. "Engagement with the local community, the O'Dowda diaspora and a wider national audience is a major focus of this project. We hope this is the beginning of a wider plan to implement conservation works to preserve this amenity for future generations and to make the structure more accessible to all to enjoy", stated Wallace.