Ballinvonear House

Rectangular mid-18th century 3-storey house over basement; built by Harold-Barry family who still reside here (Bence Jones 1978, 28). Entrance front (S) of 5 bays, cut limestone quoins and cornice under eaves; side elevations 2-bays deep. Hipped roof with two off-centre chimneys. Central entrance door ope, flanked by side lights, has block and start surround topped by cornice over flat arch; rectangular light over door with fanlight glazing. Armorial plaque above door has classical surround, inscribed 'OH 1595' at base, with later inscription 'IC 1693'- this came from Pennywell House, Limerick city, another Harold-Barry house (Grove White 1905-25, vol. 1, 101). Hipped 2-storey addition prolongs W elevation of house; later smaller additions to rear on E side. Three-sided courtyard of farm buildings to N. Ornamental lake to NE created as relief work about 1847 (ibid.). Tree-lined avenue approaches house from S. 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