Coole Mill (Woollen)

Partially collapsed woolen mill complex on SW bank of Glashaboy river. Built by Craig between 1820s and 1830s; employed up to 34 people in 1880s (Bielenberg 1991, 37, 40). Indicated on 1842 OS 6-inch map as small complex of unnamed structures with mill race; as large complex named Coole Mill (Woollen) on 1904 and 1935 OS 6-inch maps. Mid/late 19th century rectangular (int. 29.9m NW-SE; 8.6m NE-SW) roofless mill on SW side of complex; wheel pit (Wth 2.13m) with brick detail at SE end housed high breastshot or overshotwater wheel. Remains of two phase, one-storey structure on SE side of wheel pit with opening to take power from wheel pit. At NE side of complex NE gable and short returns of structure survive; brick detail. Enclosed area to SE with square stone-built chimney (1.5m square; H c. 9m) in NW corner; lintelled underground channel diagonally crosses area, possible overflow channel from mill race. At SE side of complex remains of one-roomed residential house. Open channel to NE of house, probably end of tail race channel from wheel pit. Mill race (dry) taken from Glashaboy river c. 1/2km to NNW and cut into slope. 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