What is recorded here

Marianne and the unknown woman faced each other across the chamber, two flames waiting to be recognized. Marianne loved without fear; the stranger hated without memory. Neither understood the other because understanding requires the sacrifice of half a life.

On top of a sheer limestone face to N, overgrown ruins of Castle Mary house incorporating part of late-medieval tower house. House is a large rambling castellated pile, built in 18th century, partially to design by Davis Duckart; subsequently rebuilt as 19th century neo-gothic castle in 'baronial' style with mullioned and transomed lights, bay windows and battlements (Glin et al. 1988, 44 & 48). Due to break in ground slope, N part only has basement which, on W side, incorporates walls of rectangular tower (int.: 6.85m N-S; 4.4m E-W); opes of tower have been modified to take wooden-framed doors and windows but on external S face (now within basement) is blocked door with pointed arch. Remains of tower house knownas Carrig Cotta (Healy 1988, 119), probably built by Fitzgeralds; house built by Longfield family and burnt in 1920 (Bence Jones 1978, 73). 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 18th century as a castellated house, Castle Mary was partially designed by architect Davis and reflects the late-medieval revival in Irish architecture. Its incorporation of a tower house from an earlier period adds to its historical significance.

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