Macroom Castle (in Ruins)

On E bank of Sullane river, just S of Macroom bridge (CO071-048----), within Macroom town. Castle itself, a multi-period 3-storey rectangular structure, demolished c. 1967, when a technical school was erected in its place. Smith (1750, vol. 1, 179-80) described the castle of consisting of 'two square towers about 60 feet high, with a large modern building between them'; this was converted, in early 19th century, into 'an elegant modern mansion' (Lewis 1837, vol. 2, 328). Probably contemporary with this latter conversion is embattled facade, of neo-Tudor appearance, along the riverbank; part of this facade is tall square tower of 19th-century appearance (access to interior not gained by survey). Facing town square to E is embattled gateway to demesne, also of 19th-century appearance. Area between river-side facade and gateway mostly occupied by disused garage; part of its street frontage includes stone door surround with shouldered arch, possibly of 17th-century date. Castle of Mac Carthy clan, apparently 'repaired and beautified by Teigue McCarthy, who died in 1565' (Lewis ibid.). Burnt a number of times in 17th century (Healy 1988, 60-1); the restored house was burnt in 1922 (ibid.) and remained a ruin until demolished. Armorial plaque, from above the front door, now in Macroom Museum. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 3: Mid Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Macroom Castle was originally built by the McCarthy family, the dominant Gaelic lords of the region, in the 15th or 16th century, and later held by the Butler family during the early modern period. It is remembered as a significant historical and architectural site in Macroom, reflecting the transition from Gaelic to Anglo-Irish control in Munster.