What is recorded here

Coppingers Court is a ruined fortified house in Ballyvireen, County Cork, built by Sir Walter Coppinger early in the 17th century and burnt in 1641. Its three-storey block still stands with corner towers, gun loops and machicolations, while ivy climbs the damaged walls above the Roury river. The largest surviving fireplace in the north-west tower probably served the kitchen, and the southern tower likely carried a wooden stair to the upper rooms. The house may have stood empty since the burning, but its shape still suggests a family that lived, cooked and defended itself inside the valley.

Three storey with attic, on W bank of Roury river, in secluded valley; overlooked from W, N and E. Partially ivy-clad; upper parts of walls in poor condition. Rectangular block (21.8m E-W; 8m N-S) with towers at NE (7.35m N-S; 8.1m E-W) and NW (7.4m N-S; 8.3m E-W) corners and at centre of S wall (4.6m N-S; 8.2m E-W). S tower appears to have contained wooden newel stairs (Samuel 1984, 68-71). Door and window surrounds poorly preserved but surviving lights square-headed with transome and mullion divisions; external hood mouldings with stepped terminals. Main block had central partition lobby at all levels judging by paired doors from stairway. House well furnished with fireplaces which fed seven stacks, of which four survive; largest fireplace at ground level in NW tower, probably the kitchen. NE tower has only basement in house. Five sets of machicolations cover most external walls; remaining walls covered by nine gun loops at ground level. Enclosure on N side of house had buildings along W side; some traces surviving, including large fireplace with bread-oven. Built by Sir Walter Coppinger early in 17th century (Donovan 1876, 208); burnt in 1641 (Smith 1815, vol 1, 208), probably unoccupied since then. 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

Coppingers Court was likely built by the Coppinger family in the 17th or 18th century. It is remembered as a historic family seat, now in ruins, reflecting the region's early settlement and gentry history.

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