Bawn, Dunlough, Co. Cork

Bawn, Dunlough, Co. Cork

At the northeastern end of Dun Lough Lake in County Cork, remnants of a medieval defensive wall stand as a testament to Ireland's turbulent past.

Bawn, Dunlough, Co. Cork

This substantial masonry structure, likely dating from the same period as the nearby tower house, follows the contours of the lakeshore for approximately 120 metres. The wall varies in height up to 1.6 metres and maintains a thickness of around 1.2 metres, showcasing the solid construction techniques employed by medieval builders who needed their fortifications to withstand both weather and warfare.

The wall’s path tells its own story of strategic planning. Beginning along the northern shore, it runs eastward for about 40 metres before turning southeast to follow the water’s edge for another 14 metres. From there, it strikes northeast for 65 metres, terminating dramatically at a cliff top; a position that would have provided defenders with commanding views over the surrounding landscape. At the southwestern end of this final section, a carefully constructed lintelled entrance remains intact, measuring 0.9 metres wide and 1.3 metres high, just enough space for a person to pass through whilst maintaining defensive integrity.



Though time has taken its toll, with partial collapses in several sections, the wall remains largely intact and has even seen recent repairs to keep local livestock from wandering through. The structure almost certainly formed part of a bawn; a fortified enclosure that would have protected the cattle and inhabitants associated with the tower house positioned at the southwestern end of the lake. These bawns were essential features of Irish tower houses, providing secure spaces during raids and serving as symbols of authority over the surrounding territory. The rough pasture hills to the west and steep slopes descending to Coosheentowick to the east would have made this an easily defensible position, explaining why this particular location was chosen centuries ago.

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Dunlough, Co. Cork
51.48522049, -9.82498103
51.48522049,-9.82498103
Dunlough 
Castle Features 

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