Metalworking site in Ballynatra (carbery West (w.d.) By.)

According to McCracken (1957, 128; 1965, 132), there was a charcoal-burning ironworks in Ballynetra [sic] where 'new works were erected by Thomas Ball and two others in 1606'. Boyle resumed control of the works in 1619 and leased it to a Thomas Ledsham. In March 1638 the ironworks produced, among other things, 96 reaping hooks and 1,176 scythes. The townland of Ballynatra is on Great Island in Cork Harbour but the precise location of the ironworks is not known. (McCracken 1957, 128; 1965, 132) The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 5' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). Date of upload: 22 December 2009