This is a semi-fortified manor built in the 17th century. It is rectangular in shape and there is a square turret or towerat one end. Another defensive feature which was built into the plan of the manor is a machiolation which is to be seen over the door. This was used by the inhabitants to throw stones on the enemies to ward them off. The manor was once owned by the Baldwin family from which the nearby village of Castlebaldwin got its name.

This, and other semi-fortified manors were built as consequence of English policy in Ireland. Starting with the reign of King Henry VIII. He and subsequent rulers attempted to suppress the Irish.

A number of events and changes in the years to follow allowed the English to gain a stronghold in Ireland: examples of these were the abolition of the old Gaelic Brehon laws in 1606 and theflight of theGaelic nobilityto Spain in 1607. As a result the English nobility who planted their settlements in Ireland built fortified houses from which they could defend their inhabitants and dwellings. When James 1st was ruler, a number of his subjects who became planters also built fortified houses Castlebaldwin Manor was built during this period. The ruins indicate that there were three storeys to the building to-gether with a basement. Nothing remains inside other than fireplaces.

For info on town of Castlebaldwin click here