Urard

(Dr. Willie Nolan)

There was a great number of ringforts scattered through the north of Urard townland, many of which are no longer visually evident.  Of the ringforts discerable, the outside diameters range from approx. 110 feet to approx. 150 feet.  There was a ringfort in Mr. Large's land but it has been removed.  Also on this land is Black Castle, which is situated about three miles from the village of Gortnahoe.  Some remains of this castle still stand but it is difficult now to determine its full size.  The remains of the north facing wall is about 64 feet and the width of the walls varies from 3 feet 2 inchs to 6 feet.  Only 35ft. of the west wall still stands but there is evidence to prove that the building was once a lot larger.

Evidence can be seen that there was also a church and graveyard situated on this land not far from the Black Castle.  There was near a National School near the parish boundary, on the road from Littleton to Freshford.  It was a thatched building and it provided seating for about thirty five pupils.  The school was later turned into a dwelling house.