Archaeologists Unearth Massive 17th Century Fort in Kilkenny

UPDATE: Archaeologists in Castlecomer, Kilkenny have made a groundbreaking discovery—a massive 17th Century artillery fort that has stunned experts and could reshape historical understanding of the region. This momentous find was confirmed during excavations in 2018, but its full implications are only now being appreciated.

The site, covering an astonishing 3.5 acres, is larger than the renowned Kilkenny Castle and marks a significant historical landmark linked to one of the most brutal conflicts in Kilkenny’s past. Lead archaeologist Cóilín Ó Drisceoil from Kilkenny Archaeology stated, “It’s the huge scale that has really stunned us. This was one of the largest bastioned forts ever built in Ireland.”

This extraordinary fort featured formidable defenses, including two-metre thick walls and a surrounding moat that measured 10 metres wide and up to two metres deep. Positioned along a vital route between Dublin and Kilkenny, it was designed to withstand attacks, making it virtually impregnable.

Notably, the fort played a crucial role during violent confrontations in December 1641, when an army of Kilkenny rebels besieged it. Around 400 settlers sought refuge inside its walls as they faced a horrific siege lasting over three months. The tragic murder of a young boy, who was attempting to procure food for the starving settlers, highlights the atrocities committed during this dark chapter.

Despite the fort’s previous obscurity, its discovery is expected to attract significant interest from tourists, as the remnants of the siege, including visible breaches in the walls, have been meticulously recorded. Officials have confirmed that these archaeological findings will be preserved within the new hotel development on the site, enhancing the potential for cultural tourism in Castlecomer.

As the hotel project, led by developer Joe Comerford, continues smoothly, the town is poised to gain a new attraction that connects visitors to its rich history. The excavation efforts have not delayed the progress of the renovation and extension of the Avalon Inn, ensuring the project remains on schedule.

This urgent discovery not only sheds light on Kilkenny’s historical landscape but also emphasizes the human stories entwined with its past. As more details emerge, the community and historians alike are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on this significant archaeological find.