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In prominent position, overlooking Cronodymore house (CO072-041----) to N and River Lee to S. Named 'Old Pigeon Ho.' on 1842 OS 6-inch map. Circular (int. diam. 5.5m; H c. 6m), roofless stone-built structure. Round-headed door ope on S side. Interior walls lined with 15 rows of nesting boxes; according to Gillman (1895, 225), 'each row holds thirty holes, making 450 nests in all. These nests are in the shape of an L, the entrance being large enough to admit one's arm, and the bend afforded good shelter for the nest'; the nests were 'visited twice a month for the young birds, and pigeon pies must have formed some of the dishes provided by the hospitality of Cronody for its guests' (ibid.). According to Gillman (ibid.), erected about same time as house, c. 1716.
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
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