Castle Bernard (in Ruins)

Poorly preserved remains of rectangular tower which was incorporated into Castle Bernard House (now a ruin). Entered at ground level by door in N wall with pointed arch, now blocked. Wicker-centered vault (axis N-S) over ground floor. Above this level tower heavily modified as part of later house. Castle Mahon was chief residence of Kinalmeaky branch of O Mahony clan; burnt by O Mahonys in 1580s after confiscation by the Crown (Ó Murchadha 1985, 238-9). House burnt c. 1921 and now a roofless ruin. Built c. 1798: 2-storey, 9-bay front with deep central bow to rear, battlements and turrets aded c. 1815; tower stood to W of house to which it was linked by corridor (Bence-Jones 1978, 62). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009 This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 5/2002).