This structure, known as a bawn, presents an intriguing puzzle for historians and archaeologists. Unlike typical bawns that served as fortified courtyards for castles, this one stands out for its unusual construction; the northern and western sides feature bands of elevated ground, some 7.5 metres wide and rising between two and four metres high, supported by stone revetments that have partially collapsed over time. The eastern and southern boundaries are marked by more conventional stone walls, about half a metre wide and standing two to three metres tall.

The site’s original purpose remains delightfully ambiguous. The 1842 Ordnance Survey map reveals tantalising clues about what once stood here, noting the location of a medieval house just outside the northwest corner and the site of Lisdoonvarna castle slightly beyond that. While a modern entrance has been cut through at the southeast corner, evidence suggests the original access point was likely at the northwest, connecting it to these now-vanished structures. The bawn’s substantial size and prominent position, with commanding views across the valley to the east and west whilst sheltered by rising ground to the north and south, clearly indicates it served an important function in medieval life.

Various theories have emerged about what exactly went on within these walls. Some scholars propose it functioned as a formal garden, perhaps attached to the nearby castle or medieval house, whilst others suggest more communal uses such as a marketplace, fairground, or even a sports arena. The truth may encompass elements of all these theories; medieval bawns often served multiple purposes depending on the season and local needs. Today, visitors can still trace the impressive outline of this enigmatic enclosure, its weathered stone walls standing as silent witnesses to centuries of Clare’s history.