Dundeady Castle (in Ruins)

Line of curtain wall crosses narrow neck of Galley (or Dundeady) Head, with fosse-like dip in front (to N) which is probably natural though Westropp (1914, 144) suggests might mask earlier defences (CO144-039001-). Level area to S (seaward side) of curtain (now occupied by farmyard) defined by low rock escarpment, with towers at SW and SE corners. Modern road passes through curtain to W, probably on line of original entrance. Mid-way along curtain is mural tower with pair of garderobe chutes opening at base; flat-headed window light in curtain wall to E of tower. Largest tower at SW corner of platform, on highest point; rectangular (7.5m E-W; 5m N-S), with conjoined turret at SW corner (4.5m E-W; 3.3m N-S). Only ground floor preserved; entered by doorway in S wall with traces spiral stairs in NE corner; blocked passage to smaller corner tower chamber; top of wall corbelled inwards, capped by series of lintel stones. At SE corner platform remains of rectangular tower (c. 6.5m E-W; 5.5m N-S) built against steep E-facing slope. W half largely fallen. Two small garderobe chambers E end under similar roof to main tower (corbelled wall carrying lintels). Simple square-headed window lights. A castle of the Barrys (Westropp 1914, 112-5) which was taken down by the Irish Confederates in 1642 but shortly after retaken by the Parliamentarians (Healy 1988, 254). 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

Dundeady Castle was likely built during the late medieval period, possibly by a local Gaelic lord or Anglo-Norman settler. Its strategic location on a narrow headland suggests it was important for controlling access to the surrounding area.