Rath Maher

Ruined rectangular (long axis SE-NW) 2-storey house, over basement; built by Purcells in 1790 (Grove White 1905-25, vol. 4, 168). Rendered over random-rubble limestone with brick detail. Entrance front (SE) of 3 bays with plaster cornice; elliptical-arched door ope on left side, sidelights incorporated into frame, delicately carved cut-limestone surround. NE elevation of 4 bays, brick-arched window opes, brick cornice. SW elevation has round-headed stairway window in centre. Partially collapsed hipped roof with central valley. Two-storey farm building to NW; prominent keystone in arch decorated with carved coat-of-arm. Brick-lined walled garden to NW with remains of 2-storey stone-built tower in N wall. Sir Alexander Mac Donnell (see 14694) is said to have been buried in SW corner of garden, and reinterred in Clonmeen graveyard (14567) (Grove White 1905-25, vol. 4, 167). House demolished in 1985/6 (O'Sullivan 1986, 25). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009