What is recorded here

Castlelands rises on a steep rock outcrop above Carbery East, commanding views north, east and south. O'Donoghue identified it as the site of Finghin McCarthy's castle, yet no wall, trench or basement remains visible. The land may have worn the castle away, or the castle may have never been more than a boundary marker written into memory. Either way, the rock still holds the shape of power: tall, exposed, and difficult to approach.

On top of steep-sided rock outcrop with commanding view to N, E and S. According to O'Donoghue (1986, 82), the site of Finghin McCarthy's castle. No visible surface trace. 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

Finghin McCarthy, a 16th-century Irish chieftain of the McCarthy dynasty, is associated with the site. It is remembered for its strategic location and historical connection to the powerful Desmond lords of Munster.

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