Castle Restoration Funding

At the 1995 Crowley Clan Gathering in Ireland, a presentation was given by Seamus Crowley, historian, at the site of the ruins of Crowley Castle at Ahakeera, County Cork. A visit to the site reveals the ruins of a "Tower House" from the 15th or 16th century. Whatever out buildings there may have been were made of wood and have long since disappeared. Portions of the wall remain, however. It is a fascinating site, intense with Crowley history.

It was suggested at the 1995 gathering that it would be wonderful if an archeological dig could be performed at this site. Subsequent investigations revealed that prior to an actual dig, the site should have several preliminary geophysical surveys. We made inquires into the matter and, upon the recommendations of Eamon Cotter, an Irish archeologist, received information on the following surveys:

1. Topographical Survey -- provides a base map and grid systems for any further surveys.
2. Magnetic Gradiometry Survey -- to locate and identify any sub-surface archeological features.
3. Resistivity Survey -- using electrical imaging, allows investigation of deeper features at the site.

Since these surveys are interrelated, it would be beneficial to perform them simultaneously. This would also save mileage charges (45 Irish Pence/Mile) rather than bringing the survey crew out three different times. Bids were received from a firm in Galway, GeoArc Ltd. The cost of doing these surveys is as follows (includes surveyor or geophysicist, and field assistant as well as V.A.T.):

Survey	Duration	Cost
Topographical	6 Days	2,360 Irish Punts
Magnetic Gradiometry	4 Days	1,525 Irish Punts
Resistivity Survey	8 Days	3,050 Irish Punts
Totals	18 Days	6,9355 Irish Punts

This is approximately 6,260 English Pounds, 19,900 New Zealand, 16,500 Canadian, or 10,700 U.S. Dollars

During the Clan Gathering in September 1998, we learned that the farm on which the Crowley Castle is situated was for sale. The Buttimer family, who had owned this farm for over 130 years had been most cooperative in allowing us to visit the site of the castle. There was no guarantee that the new owners would be so accommodating. By the end of 1998, we were in contact with the Irish Monuments Advisory Committee regarding the safe keeping of the castle ruins.

We wished to see if there was sufficient interest worldwide to attempt the above geophysical surveys, and so we undertook a pledge drive to see if it was feasible to raise the necessary funds. Although the volume of pledges was disappointing, we engaged GeoArc Ltd. to perform the surveys.

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