Castles of Leinster: Toberdaly, Offaly... © Mike Searle cc-by-sa/2.0

N5231 : Castles of Leinster: Toberdaly, Offaly (1)

taken 10 years ago, near to Rhode, Co Offaly, Ireland

Castles of Leinster: Toberdaly, Offaly (1)

A description of a castle here in a post-1550 survey mentions "an old ruynouse base courte". In 1654 the castle was occupied by Margaret and Mary Warren. The tower stands alongside the ivy covered ruin of Toberdaly House, and contains three low storeys under a vault with a circular bartizan on the SW corner, and a square one on the NE.

The curious structure built on the top of the tower is a Gothic style octagonal gazebo that was placed there as a folly in c.1780. At the same time the entrance doorway was moved further up the east wall to enable easier access to the gazebo (presumably by an external ladder). For the occupants of Toberdaly House it would have provided a wonderful platform for the views of the surrounding countryside, undoubtedly the reason why it was built.

N5231 : Castles of Leinster: Toberdaly, Offaly (2)

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Grid Square: N5231, 5 images (more nearby )
Photographer: Mike Searle (find more nearby)
Date Taken: Monday, 23 June, 2014 (more nearby)
Submitted: Wednesday, 16 July, 2014
Geographical Context: Historic sites and artefacts Housing, Dwellings Defence, Military
Subject Location: Irish: N 5209 3198 [10m precision]
WGS84: 53:20.1446N 7:13.1283W
Camera Location: Irish: N 521 319
View Direction: West-northwest (about 292 degrees)