DRAWINGS SERIES

PAGE FIVE

The heart of Gaelic Ireland

The O'Connors were amongst the foremost aristocracy of the old Gaelic order, and provided not just kings of Connacht, but also the last High-Kings of Ireland. The present O'Connor Don has one of the longest recorded pedigrees in Europe.

This page shews some detail drawings of features to be found in Irish tower houses.

This shews a Bartizan; a defensive structure found on the corner of many castles, usually half-way up the tower.

A fairly typical stone doorway - the structure clearly visible in the arch.

Another fine solid stone doorway, giving some indication of the wall thickness.

Inside the door, one often finds the portcullis; an iron protective frame dropped down the groove provided.

A nicely framed mullioned window.

A later, more open, mullioned window.

An early, small, very defensive window.

A well-built stone fireplace - usually just for the upper floors.

A later, more elaborate stone fireplace.

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