Castletown Castle
as it stands today is a remodelled castle of the
Kavanaghs. South wing being new and front dressed
with extra coat of cut granite blocks. Basement
and remainder is as old as the hills. The western door
and ancient hall are reminiscent of the entrance to Kilkee
Castle, etc. Some of the walls are 9' thick. The ancient
parts favour the Gothic style of doorway. The original fosse
is easily distinguishable on all sides and a never failing
stream supplies ample water (mentioned repeatedly
in State Papers. Henry VIII, James I etc etc) "Castle et vil et ter".
The castle was renovated possibly in
1778 when the "Long Stone was erected
on top of next little hill on S.W. border of
the estate and formerly known as "cnocán".
It was formerly a separate townland accord-
ing to State documents. The inscription
on the pillar reads "Hic jacet corpus H
Faulkner qui obiit ... 1778 (?)"
Shape of grove is preserved at base.
The high peak to S. E. in Kyle is known as
the carraigín. The field N of the Long Stone
beyond the cliff is known as the Ross Mór
State Papers 1541 mention 10 acres of wood
in Castletown. "Ross Mór" the possible site.
[Drawing on page,
captioned 'The Long Stone'
labelled 'about 20' high and fitted with lightening conduction - copper tape to ground.]