Castle (in Ruins)

Rectangular house (internal: 18.5m N-S; 5.85m E-W) on rocky prominence overlooking Baltimore Harbour to W. Level area on E side of house but N, Wand S faces rise from sheer rock face. House of two storeys with attic. Building repaired in 1920s and many opes now encased in concrete. Ground floor door in E wall; possible 1st floor door above but ope poorly preserved. First floor lit by a series of windows in square-set embrasures; dressed stone surrounds; segmental arched heads, with roll moulding alonginside edges. Lights with single, double and triple ogee heads and stone transome divisions; hood mouldings with horned terminals over lights. Three fireplaces at 1st floor level; largest in N wall has bread oven on E side; flue projects on outside of E gable. Bartizan with gun loops atop SW corner. Possible remains of bawn wall (CO150-036003-) runs E from NE corner; completely ivy-clad. Known as Dunashad Castle, probably built by O'Driscoll clan on site of earlier castle (Coleman 1924, 50-1). Unusual building showing mixture of native tower-house tradition with new ideas of early 17th century. See Excavation 1998, no. 56, p. 13-14; Excavations 2002, 57-8, no 225. 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

Baltimore Castle was built in the early 17th century by the Wogan family, a prominent Irish Catholic dynasty, as a defensive stronghold during a period of political and religious upheaval. It is remembered for its strategic location overlooking Baltimore Harbour and as a symbol of resistance against English forces during the 1600s.