Togher Castle — An Tóchar

On N bank of Bandon river, ivy-clad four storey rectangular tower (16.2m E-W; 9.7m N-S) built on low rock ridge in flat, marshy area. Entered at ground level by doorway near S end of E wall; lobby inside gives access to main chamber to E (8.45m E-W; 6m N-S); spiral staircase in NE corner rises full height of tower. Tiny unlit chamber (2m x 1.4m) at foot of stairs known locally as 'chambrin á chodaigh (the tyrant's little room)' (Lyons et al. 1895, 483). Unusually, spiral stairs built around central circular masonry column (diam. 0.88m). Ground-floor window opes in N, S and W walls all enlarged by recent use. First, 2nd and 3rd floor main chambers all lit by pairs of windows in N and S walls; 3rd-floor window lights square headed with central mullion; these floors all have fireplaces in E wall; entered from spiral stairs by doorway at N end of W wall. First and 2nd-floors have second doorway at S end of W wall giving access to smaller chambers. These smaller chambers occupy area over lobby; 3rd floor entered directly from stairway. There is a pointed wicker-centred vault (axis N-S) over 1st floor chamber over lobby. Second floor (over vault) has a fireplace and this room known locally as 'chambrin-na-banaltran (the little chamber of the nurse)' (Lyons et al. 1895, 483). Though now difficult to make out there are bartizans over the NW and SE corners (see plan and photos in Lyons et al. 1895, 481 & 485) supported by tapering masonry corbels. The tower is now covered by corrugated iron roof erected late 19th century (Healy 1988, 214-5) when tower converted for use by 'small local industry'. Atop internal partition wall large chimney stack, also smaller stacks atop E and W gables. Top of stacks have zig-zag plan similar to 17th century fortified houses at Coolnalong (CO130-010---) and Reenadisert (CO105-02001-). Built by the Mac Carthys of Gleann an Chroim (O Murchadha 1985, 84) probably in the late 16th century. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009