What is recorded here

Castle Ire stood on a steep southern ridge above Myross headland, watching the sea and passing boats. Its west corner still rises to first-floor height with two window openings, while the rest has collapsed into rubble. Local tradition claims a 1251 origin, but the surviving stones belong to the fifteenth or sixteenth century, when tower houses served as both home and warning. The castle may have marked a boundary between land power and ocean risk, its windows framing storms, trade and invasion.

On S shoulder of E-W ridge with land falling away steeply to S; extensive view over Myross headland and out to sea. Most of large rectangular structure (c. 15m NW-SE; c. 8m NE-SW) marked on OS 6-inch map (1902) now reduced to rubble. Part of lower battered face of SW wall survives and stump of W corner stands to 1st floor level with remains of two window embrasures ground floor window double splayed). According to local tradition built in 1251 (Donovan 1979, 164-6) but present ruin of 15th/16th century date. 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

Built by the Fitzgerald family, Lords of Kerry, in the 15th century, Castle Ire was a key stronghold in the defense of the southern Irish coast. It is remembered for its strategic location overlooking the Myross headland and its historical association with the powerful Desmond dynasty.

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