What is recorded here

Kilgobbin Castle stands as a five-storey rectangular tower on the west bank of the Bandon river, belonging to the Mac Carthy Riabhach clan. Its original north entrance is blocked, forcing entry through a broken east wall, while an abandoned nineteenth-century house and lean-to farm buildings press against its ancient stone. Inside, a wicker-centered vault spans the first floor attic, hiding upper chambers behind a second vault that resists easy access. The structure remains vivid in its ruins, marked by ogee-headed lights and a narrow stair climbing to the northeast corner walk.

On W bank of Bandon river just S of narrow inlet, ground rises to SW. Rectangular, 5 storey tower (9.65m E-W; 8.9m N-S) standing to full height. Abandoned, 2 storey 19th century house abuts N wall; lean-to farmbuildings stand against S and W walls. Ground floor entrance at W end of N wall now blocked up; entery now gained through large broken ope in E wall. First floor attic under rounded, wicker-centered vault (axis E-W); manhole through vault near SW corner. Access to floors over vault not gained but there appears to be a second vault over 3rd floor (Healy 1988, 269). Single square-headed lights on all faces at 3rd floor level. At 4th floor level frame of triple, ogee headed light on E face; tall single ogee headed lights on other faces. Stairs to wall walk at NE corner. A castle of the Mac Carthy Riabhach clan (O Murchadha 1985, 54). 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

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