Indicated — Ringacoltig

On a rocky outcrop at the SW tip of Cobh’s Blackpoint only accessible at low tide, with SW-facing slope rising to E. Remains of a large, stone-built 19th-century limekiln, indicated on the 1st edition OS 6-inch map, though it may have been later enlarged as it appears as an actual stone structure and is named in the 1896 OS 25-inch map. Comparison between the two maps also shows the impact of quarrying associated with the limekiln on the coastline at Blackpoint, as it appears to have caused it to recede significantly to the N and E. There is a corresponding limekiln at Whitepoint (CO087-165----), which is also indicated on the 1st edition map but may have been disused by the time of the 25-inch map, its associated quarry being marked as ‘disused’.   The Blackpoint limekiln is built of roughly coursed limestone masonry. Most of the structure survives, with the S, W and N elevations surviving to almost original height, while the W wall of the kiln has collapsed. The kiln chamber, facing N, is defined by an elliptical arch (Wth 2.05m; H. 2.04m; total N wall Wth 6.30m) comprised of 36 voussoirs (L 0.41 to 0.55m; D 0.62 to 0.73m) of reddish schist stone bonded by a mortar with much pebble inclusions, resting on sidewalls which slant inward from the outer face of the kiln (int. dim.: E wall L 2.19m; W wall L 2.02m; back wall 1.27m). The kiln appears to be of the draw type, meaning it would have had a permanent grate over the hearth at the base of the structure, with two main openings: a stoke or ‘poking’ hole for feeding the fire and manage airflow, and a draw hole, used to both light the fire and retrieve the lime. Evidence of the firing process is present here, with blackened stones around the sides, back and roof of the chamber. Partial remains of the stoke hole survive; however, the wall below the hole has collapsed, making the hearth and the opening of the draw hole visible as a result.   Above the chamber’s arch, the pitched roofline of a structure that abutted the chamber to the N is visible. Remains of this structure consists of its E wall (L 7.79m; Wth 0.55m; Max H 1.83m), a short section of its W wall (L 3.24m; Wth 0.52m, Max H 1.40m) and some of its original concrete flooring. This structure (approx. int. dim. 3.30m E-W; 7.80m N-S) would have served to shelter the lime production from the elements, and as an area to collect and process the lime directly from the kiln onto boats, via an E-W slipway (Wth 2.35m) c. 6m to the N of the kiln, with water at high tide coming right up to the lower part of the kiln and the slipway. Remains of a wall connecting the slipway to the kiln and of three gateposts holes at the E end of the slipway indicate that the area was enclosed. The ramp that was used to bring up the limestone and the coal into the charging head at the top of the kiln also survives, with remains of its sidewalls visible though obscured by much overgrowth to the N.     Compiled by: Anne-Julie Lafaye   Date of upload: 21 October 2025