Castle (in Ruins)

In level grounds of Ringmahon House. Three-storey gate tower (4.2m E-W; 2.8m N-S); known as Ringmahon Castle. Gateway, covered by semicircular arch, on S face, with two large hanging eyes on inside (gate itself long gone), opens into passage (Wth 2.3m) running right through building and roofed by wicker-centred segmental vault. Tower now free standing but shadow of curtain wall visible on E face at ground level; projecting stones at NW and SW corners also indicate position of engaging walls. First floor (int. 3.1m E-W; 1.8m N-S) entered by lintelled door in E wall; this may have been approached from wall walk of curtain wall. Chamber inside lit by splayed window embrasures, with narrow rectangular lights, in N and S wall; in W wall splayed ope, probably gun loop, angled to S. Second floor lit by similar windows in E and W wall. Wall narrows at 2nd floor level to corbel course which supports sandstone slabs, now overlain by large slate roofing slabs supported on four iron beams. According to Coleman (1915, 1) 'it was originally considerably higher, but the top part having become dangerous, was taken down some years ago', he adds that 'no historical associations of any kind are known in reference to this little castle' (ibid). Ringmahon House has front (S) of 4-bay, 2-storey over basement, 3-bay porch built against door; 2-bay deep; hipped roof with valley; addition to W; house of late 18th/early 19th century date; now functions as school. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Built in the 17th century, likely by the Mahon family, Ringmahon Castle is remembered for its distinctive three-storey gate tower and as an example of early Irish domestic architecture with military influences.