Cahermone Castle (in Ruins)

Overlooking Dungourney river to N; remains of rectangular tower (14m N-S; 11m E-W) now standing to 4 storeys but originally higher, and fragmentary remains of 17th-century range on N side, heavily overgrown. Tower entered at ground floor levels by door with pointed arch, in N wall. Ground floor chamber lit by central window opes in E, S and W walls. Directly above ground floor door similar door at 1st floor level. This gives access through lobby to door into main 1st floor chamber, and also to base of spiral stairs rising in NW corner, giving access to upper floors. At base of this stairs, door with pointed arch leads S into straight stairs descending towards ground floor window in W wall, lower part of stairs gone. First floor lit by central window ope in S wall; chamber covered by rounded wicker-centred vault (N-S axis). Second floor entered by door in NE corner from stairwell; lit by central windows in E, S and W walls; window in W wall has flat-headed light, chamfered on outside edge. Also at this level, and entered from stairwell, garderobe chamber in N wall, covered by segmental vault; murder-hole in floor covers 1st floor doorway. Inserted fireplace in SW corner. Very little of 3rd floor walls remain but E and W walls incline inwards indicating former covering vault (axis N-S). Only part of E wall and NW corner now stand of annex range abutting tower on N side; ivy-clad. Main features visible are fireplaces on E wall feeding tall rectangular chimney stack; also a number of gun loops. Structure has early 17th-century appearance. In farmyard to S inscribed arch stone (CO076-081----) from door is preserved, with inscription 'I.E.G. 1579'; these are initials of John Fitz-Edmond Fitzgerald, who may have renovated existing house at that date (Coleman 1915, 165-7); high enclosing walls on W side are more likely of 18th/19th-century date and associated with Cahermone House which stood short distance to SE (now demolished) . The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Cahermone Castle was built in the late 16th century by the Butler family, Earls of Ormond, as part of their extensive network of defensive structures in Munster. It is remembered for its strategic position overlooking the Dungourney River and its role in the ongoing conflicts between the Butlers and the Fitzgeralds during the Tudor period.