What is recorded here

Castle Curious is a roofless three-storey ruin on the Awbeg River where Johnny Roche built embattled turrets and a narrow workshop between 1847 and 1850. He later embedded a bridge plaque dated 1870 into the wall, making the castle carry a date it did not proper belong to. The water spouts still line the parapet, turning rain into a small display on the strange castle Roche left behind.

Roofless ruin on S bank of Awbeg River, to S of Corn Mill (15213) and adjacent to St Bernard's well (13975). Central rectangular (long axis NE-SW) 1-bay 3-storey block with embattled parapet; tower-like projections on NE and SW ends, semicircular in plan, rise above parapet wall of central block to form embattled turrets. Water spouts along base of parapet wall. Arched door ope in NE elevation; simple arched and lintelled window opes throughout. Central internal rectangular room (4m x 2.1m) with D-shaped rooms at either end; one room used as workshop and another as smithy. Stairs in NE tower. Locally known as Roche's Castle as it was built by local eccentric Johnny Roche in 1847-1850. Date plaque "1870", taken from nearby bridge also built by Roche, built into structure after he died. 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 Image provided by and copyright of Amanda Clarke 2016-2022 https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/

Built in the 15th or 16th century, likely by a local Gaelic lord or Anglo-Norman family, Castle Curious is remembered for its distinctive tower-like projections and its association with the surrounding historic landscape, including St Bernard's well.

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