Castle (in Ruins)

On cliff overlooking Awbeg River to N. Remains of 3-storey tower, with attic. West wall (L c. 11.5m) stands to full height, topped by chimney; also standing is return of S wall (L 6.5m), with supporting buttress added at E end; garderobe tower projects from NW corner; farm buildings have been built against inside and outside of surviving walls. Blocked central window in W wall at 1st-floor level; part of hood moulding survives. Also at this level, remains of mural passage at N end of W wall, lit by two slit windows; contains garderobe. Blocked window at S end of W wall, at 2nd-floor level. Central fireplace, now blocked, in W wall at 3rd-floor level; traces of embrasure ingoings at each side of chimney-breast, probably windows. Part of wall-walk survives at W end of S wall, with projecting drip-stones; two gun loops in parapet walls. Tower at NW corner, of solid masonry to 1st-floor level though pierced by garderobe chute and outlet; vault over 1st floor now collapsed; tower does not survive above this level. Castle shown on Down Survey (1655-6) barony map with mill close by to WNW. Castle of the Wall family, captured and burned in 1642 (Grove White 1905-25, vol. 4, 304). 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