Castle (in Ruins) — Aghamarta

In level pasture, within demesne of Aghmarta House. Remains of rectangular tower (10m N-S; 8.5m E-W); survive to three storeys, though part of S wall only portion standing at 2nd floor level; upper storeys blown down in storm of 1839 (Coleman 1915, 59). Ground floor now entered through door with rotten wooden frame at W end of N wall, tower appears to have been repaired in 19th century; blocked ope at E end of N wall may be original entrance; remains of two windows opes in both E and W wall. At 1st floor level round-arched door in centre of N wall; central window ope in W, S and E walls, all with flat-headed lights and arched embrasures. First floor covered by rounded vault (axis N-S). Lower steps of spiral stone staircase survive at SW corner, housed in collapsed corner tower which is apparently an addition. Known as Aghamarta Castle; according to Coleman (ibid.) built by first Earl of Desmond but O Murchadha (1967, 18) states that castle 'first heard of in the mid-16th century when it was the residence of the Wynchedon or Nugent family', however, by late 16th century in possession of Russells who were 'hereditary castellans to the Earl of Desmond' (ibid.,19). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009