Creagh Castle — Castlesaffron

Two-storey house over basement, of 18th-century appearance, adjacent to Castle Saffron (14352); house occupied. Entrance front (W) of 5 bays, ashlar limestone construction with string course between ground and 1st floor; pilasters on corners supporting moulded cornice. Central round-headed door ope with fanlight, Ionic columns support entablature and cornice; iron railed perron with double sweep of steps up to door. Sash windows with moulded 18th century sills, bracketed key-stones over 1st-floor windows. North elevation 3 bays deep. Rear elevation has round-headed stairway window over oval window ope. Damaged by fire in 2nd half of 18th century (Bence-Jones 1978, 94) and date-stone inscribed "1816" probably dates the subsequent rebuilding. House modernized in 1911 when S end lengthened (Grove White 1905-25, vol. 2, 268) by adding 2 bays in similar style. House and addition under single hipped roof with central valley, three chimneys in valley. Demesne wall built 1816 (ibid. 262). Entrance sweep to W, with neo-Gothic limestone entrance gate (Bence-Jones, ibid.): central arch, keystone of which bears family crest and date "1827", flanked by two smaller arches, adorned by pinnacles, finials and battlements. One-storey entrance lodge adjacent on S side with ashlar facade in similar neo-Gothic style. Ringfort (12275) on N side of entrance. Private burial ground (14077) c. 500m SE of house contains altar tomb of the Brasier-Creagh family (Grove White 1905-25, vol. 2, 265). 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