Ballymacadane Abbey (in Ruins)

In level part of large pasture field; fragmentary remains of rectangular church (int: 26m E-W; 5.9m N-S); walls in poor structural condition and ivy-clad. Central part of S wall, most of W gable and W third of N wall entirely fallen; upper part of E gable also fallen. Two doors survive: near E end of N wall and slightly E of centre in same wall. Former has cut-stone surround with pointed arch and faces into church, suggesting former presence of structure outside church on this side; latter door had similar surround, now much damaged, and faces out from church in usual manner. Just inside latter door, fragments of two walls (Wth 1.3m; c. 2m apart) butt joint against N wall; may be remains of slim tower. Central E window poorly preserved; part of E side of window evident where N wall breaks off to W; better preserved window ope near E end of S wall with lower part of double lights surviving. Just E of latter window, at lower level, piscina with pointed-arch surround; damaged on E side, ornate stop chamfer on W side. Small plain wall press near S end of E wall. According to Smith (1750, vol. 1, 171), founded by Cormac Mac Carthy in 1450 for Augustinian nuns, though Hayes (1894, 141) gives 1472. Later occupied by Franciscans but at exactly what time unclear (Gwynn and Hadcock 1988, 313). No visible surface trace of graveyard around ruin; it apparently adjoined abbey on S side but was 'dug out' by landowner in 18th century and 'its mould used to manure the rest of the field' (Anon. 1894, 173). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 3: Mid Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009