Castle (in Ruins)

On rock outcrop, Funshion River c. 150m to W. Three-storey rectangular tower (6.2m N-S; 8m E-W), but originally higher (see plan in Cotter 1994, 85-6); SW corner collapsed above 1st-floor level. Doorways at ground- and 1st-floor levels, one above the other, near S end of W wall. Partially collapsed doorway leads directly into ground-floor chamber (4.1m E-W; 2.5m N-S). Chamber lit by double-splayed window embrasure in centre of E and S walls. Overhead is bluntly pointed vault (long axis E-W); in NW corner of vault is manhole. Tower inaccessible above this level; 1st-floor doorway collapsed; traces of spiral stairs evident in SW corner; vault (long axis E-W) visible over 2nd-floor chamber. Window opes positioned at 1st-floor level on S, E and W walls, at 2nd-floor level on E and W walls, and at 3rd-floor on N wall; lights mostly missing, but latter two on 2nd and 3rd floors have single lintelled light. Garderobe chute exits near base of N wall. Castle of the O Hennessy family (Ó Murchadha 1985, 163). Almost identical in form to nearby tower house at Dunmahon (14362). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009