Bawn, Ballyknock, Co. Longford
In Ballyknock, County Longford, the remains of a circular bawn reveal a fascinating layer of Irish history.
Bawn, Ballyknock, Co. Longford
This defensive wall, measuring 39.3 metres in diameter, once protected a tower house that stood within its boundaries. The foundations that survive today show the wall was roughly 2.1 metres thick; a substantial fortification built to withstand potential attacks during Ireland’s turbulent medieval period.
What makes this site particularly intriguing is its connection to an even older structure. The bawn’s location, size, and distinctive circular shape strongly suggest it was built directly on top of a pre-existing ringfort, with the later medieval walls following the exact circuit of the ancient earthwork. This practice of repurposing earlier defensive sites was common throughout Ireland, as successive generations recognised the strategic value of locations chosen by their predecessors.
The layering of these two defensive structures, one medieval and one potentially dating back to the early medieval period, offers a tangible link to centuries of continuous occupation and fortification at this single location. While the tower house itself no longer stands, the bawn’s foundations serve as a reminder of how Irish defensive architecture evolved over time, with newer stone fortifications often incorporating or replacing earlier earthen defences.