Castle Barrett (in Ruins) — Castlebarrett

In undulating pasture, on W shoulder of Clyda River valley; remains consist of oval earthwork (CO042-009001-), in NW corner of which stand fragmentary remains of rectangular structure, with partially-collapsed, four-storey tower (CO042-009003-) built against its N wall (both E walls are in line). Earthwork is flat-topped (c. 46m E-W; c. 42m N-S); defined SW->NE by wide earth-cut fosse (Wth 17m; D 2.2m), and by scarped edge above steep natural slope NE->SW. Only three wall fragments (NW, NE and SE corners) of rectangular structure (c. 16m N-S; c. 10m E-W) now stand; a substantial clump of fallen masonry lies in fosse to W. Surviving fragments stand to two storeys and are missing much of their facing stones. NE corner has two much-ruined window opes, one above the other, near N end of E wall; where wall breaks off to S, skewbacks for arch and draw-bar socket indicate former doorway near centre of E wall. SE corner breaks off to W and N at sides of window embrasures, at both floor levels. NW fragment very poorly preserved and overgrown.Though little of it survives, this structure appears to be remains of late 12th/early-13th century hall. W and S walls of attached tower have collapsed above 1st-floor level but N and E walls stand to near full height. Ground-floor chamber (5.5m N-S; 4m E-W) covered by rounded wicker-centred vault; double-splayed window in N wall; much of S wall gone; recess in E wall appears to be blocked stairs. Access to higher floors not gained. Windows in centre of N wall at 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-floor levels, and in centre of E wall at 1st- and 2nd-floor level; embrasures square-set with segmental vaults; lights gone except for single ogee-headed light in E wall at 1st-floor level, and double ogee-headed light with transom at 3rd-floor level in N wall. Also at 3rd-floor level, set into NE corner of room, is window with double flat-headed light and transom; mullion stands on corner of tower (similar window in Desmond Castle, Kinsale). Much-ruined fireplace in E wall at 1st-floor level; fireplace in centre of E wall at 3rd-floor level has lintel decorated with plain geometric designs. Above 3rd-floor level, broken face of W wall shows mural stairs rising to NW corner; passage continues through surviving section of N wall at this level. Atop NE corner five rounded corbels are all that survive of corner bartizan. This attached tower has all the appearance of 15th/16th- century tower house. According to Windele (1897, 252), writing in 1840s, 'at the south side stood a three-quarter round tower' which was pulled down in 1835, now no trace of such a structure. According to O Murchadha (1985, 19), 'the original builders of the castle were the de Cogans, from whom the Earl of Desmond acquired it in 1439'; not occupied by Barretts until early 17th century. Both Twohig (1978, 8) and Barry (1983, 301) list this as example of Norman ringwork castle. Also known as 'Castlemore' (Healy 1988, 319-20). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 3: Mid Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009 This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 59/1938 and PO no. 1/2001).