Shrule Castle, Co. Laois
Description
Shrule Castle is a detached, five-storey tower house with an
attached outbuilding to the west elevation. It was built between
1600 and 1640. The castle was constructed of uncoursed rubble
masonry with square double-light ogee-headed, pointed-slit, slit
loops and flat-headed windows. The masonry walls display a slight
batter. Internally, the castle exhibits finely carved stone mantle
pieces, dressed limestone doorways, an intact spiral staircase and
abundant remains of render. A significant part of the masonry was
dressed. Fine punch work to window, stairs and door elements was
recorded.
Environment
Shrule Castle is located in a rural inland environment in Co.
Laois. It is located adjacent to a modern farmhouse. The castle is
surrounded by farming outbuildings and arable crops. Approximately
20 m separate the site of the castle from a local road with
infrequent traffic.
Stone
Limestone (94%) Granite (4%) Sandstone (2%) The castle was
largely constructed with a light grey to black limestone. The
limestone is mostly fossiliferous, varying from biomicrite to
biosparite (wackstone to packstone). It incidentally exhibits
lamination, siliceous beds and carbonate geodes. Granite and
sandstone are infrequently present in the masonry. The granite is
present in window sills. It is a grey, medium to coarse granite with
feldspar phenocrysts. The sandstone is present as scattered boulders
in the lower walls and as cut blocks in the upper parts. It is a
brown, green and red, probably argillaceous sandstone. Most of the
stone was probably quarried locally. The limestone and sandstone may
originate from the local Carboniferous formations. The granite
probably originates from erratic blocks and boulders of the Leinster
Granite.
Decay
Major structural fractures were recorded along the east and south
elevations. Fractured mantle pieces and staircase steps were also
noted in the interior. The limestone is affected by scaling,
flaking, fracturing and dissolution. Natural limestone fractures and
lamination are being enlarged by the effect of dissolution.
Fractures may follow the bedding. Fracturing and dislodgement were
noted on the limestone foundation quoins. The granite exhibits
granular disintegration and sporadic iron staining. Biological
growth by both lower and higher order species is strong, mainly in
the interior of the castle. Calcite dissolution and
recrystallization are the main decay processes taking place on the
limestone.
Conservation
The monument was classified as standing, features mild to strong
stone decay and strong structural damage. Shrule Castle needs urgent
structural consolidation. The castle still includes significant
original architectural features. The landowners undertake occasional
small repairs including vegetation clearance and Portland cement
repointing which are insufficient measures to preserve the monument.
Source: The Heritage Council
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