Decoy pond in Demesne (fermoy By.)

In wet woodland, on W bank of Awbeg River, in demesne of Doneraile Court (14887). Described by Fox (1984, 114-115) as roughly-square pond (L c. 100 yds), with four semicircular promontories (c. 7-8 yds sq.) protruding from centre of each side, and circular island in centre. Possible decoy pipe extends at E corner. Fox notes similarity to Beaulieu decoy in Drogheda which was made c. 1730 (Fox, ibid.); Smith in 1750 (vol. 1, 330) refers to a 'fine decoy' at Doneraile. However, this area is shown as heavily wooded on 1842 OS 6-inch map (decoy not shown) and there was no memory of its use in late 19th century (Fox ibid.). Outline of decoy pond, now dry, still evident in densely wooded area, known locally as 'The Decoy Wood'. 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