What is recorded here

A rectangular limestone block with a splayed keyhole opening, likely a musket loop from the lost castle, sits preserved in a garden behind Egan's shop in Castlegregory. The castle belonged to the Husseys by 1601 and Walter Hussey garrisoned it during the Cromwellian conquest before Parliament forces drove the defenders to Minard Castle. Smith recorded the escape in 1756, yet no trace of the main structure remained by 1841, leaving only these scattered stones to mark where the House of Hore stood.

Castlegregory (KE027-008----) is probably that which is referred to as the 'House of Hore' by A. O'Daly in his satire 'The Tribes of Ireland' (O'Donovan 1852, 75). By 1601 the castle was in the possession of the Husseys (Fiants Irel. Eliz., No's. 6494, 6498, 6504). During the Cromwellian conquest, probably in 1649, Smith records that Walter Hussey garrisoned the castle, but being pressed by Parliament forces the garrison escaped to Minard Castle where they were subsequently 'blown up by powder' (Smith 1756, 195-6). Though standing in Smith's time, no trace of the castle remained in 1841 (OSL). A number of fragments, some undoubtedly from the Castle, are preserved in a garden at the rear of Egan's shop in Castlegregory: (2) Fig. 216b. A rectangular limestone block with splayed keyhole-shaped opening may have been a musket loop. Hitchcock (1855, 351) records that 2 of these stones were set on either side of a fireplace in a house in Castlegregory. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 1003. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 9 August 2013

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.