What is recorded here

Castlebernard began as a rectangular tower for the Kinalmeaky branch of the O Mahony clan. They burnt it in the 1580s after losing it to the Crown, refusing to leave a home they could no longer own. A later house swallowed the tower, then fire emptied both, leaving only a blocked pointed arch and a wicker-centered vault to remember the shape of that stubborn refusal.

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).

Built by the Bernard family in the 13th century, Castle Bernard was an important medieval stronghold in the region. It is remembered for its strategic position and the integration of its original tower into the later Castle Bernard House.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.