Hermitage in Lixnaw

To the SE of the Old Court (KE015-060001-) is a building known as the 'Cock House'. It is marked on the 1841-42 OS map as 'Old Weather Cock'. It is situated on a rise and is octagonal in plan. It is in a very ruinous state: the roof has now gone, along with sections of the wall, and all that can be seen today is a succession of large windows that run from the floor to roof level. It is possible that this was a gazebo where the lords and ladies enjoyed the sun. Beneath this building is a cellar, the entrance to which lies to the E. Since it is called the Cock House it is possible that it got its name from cockfights. The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 1011. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 3 August 2013