Though no visible traces remain today, this location once housed a bawn; a defensive wall that would have surrounded and protected a castle or fortified house. The structure gets a mention in a 1619 land grant to one H. Holcroft, who received ‘the Castle and bawn of Newcastle’ according to historical records documented by Westropp in 1906-7.

The bawn would have been a crucial defensive feature during the plantation period, when English and Scottish settlers were establishing themselves across Ireland. These fortified enclosures typically featured high stone walls, sometimes with towers at the corners, and provided protection for livestock, supplies, and the inhabitants during raids or local conflicts. The fact that it warranted specific mention in a formal land grant suggests it was a substantial structure, likely accompanying a tower house or small castle that served as the main residence.

Despite its complete disappearance from the landscape, the site’s historical significance hasn’t been forgotten. In 1984, authorities placed a Temporary Preservation Order on the monument, recognising its archaeological importance even in the absence of visible remains. The monument is catalogued as LI005-025 in the archaeological inventory, marking its location for future research and ensuring any development in the area takes its historical significance into account.