Known as a bawn, this type of defensive structure emerged during the plantation period when English and Scottish settlers required protection in what was often hostile territory. The word ‘bawn’ itself derives from the Irish ‘bábhún’, meaning cattle enclosure, though these structures evolved far beyond their agricultural origins to become sophisticated defensive compounds.

The bawn at Carrownamorrissy would have originally consisted of a fortified house surrounded by high stone walls, creating a secure courtyard where livestock could be protected and daily activities could continue even during times of unrest. These structures typically featured corner towers or flankers that allowed defenders to cover all approaches, whilst the walls themselves often stood between three and five metres high. The fortified house at the centre would have served as both a residence for the landowner’s family and a final point of defence if the outer walls were breached.

Today, the remains at Carrownamorrissy offer visitors a tangible connection to the turbulent 16th and 17th centuries, when such fortifications dotted the Irish landscape. The survival of these structures, even in ruins, provides valuable insights into the social dynamics, architectural techniques, and daily life of plantation Ireland. Archaeological evidence from similar sites suggests these bawns were not merely military installations but complete domestic complexes, featuring gardens, workshops, and storage facilities that made them largely self-sufficient during sieges or periods of local conflict.