Skibbereen — Gortnaclohy

A relatively small settlement cluster is marked on the 1655-9 Down Survey map of Carbury Barony to the E of a river which is spanned by a bridge (CO141-161----) (Hib. Reg.). The 1655-59 Down Survey map of Creagh Parish depicts a cluster of dwellings to the E of the river in the area where the modern Main Street is located. This cluster of dwellings stood on the E side of the river which formed the townland and parish boundary. The terrier of the Down Survey parish map recorded that in Gortnaclohy are ‘Scituate a ruined Castle [CO141-094----] & a Church [CO141-142----] with an Orchard and Garden with a Mill [CO141-135----] and Many Cabins’ (NLI, Ms. 712-3). Judging by its location on the map, it probably represents a mid-17th century precursor of the present day town of Skibbereen. The historic town of Skibbereen was described in the Urban Survey of Cork as follows; 'Established as a market town on the lands of Sir Walter Coppinger who secured the right to hold a fair in the area in 1615. Originally two separate settlements, divided by a small stream, the present town combines the parishes of Bridgetown to the west and Creagh or Staplestown to the east. Skibbereen was formerly an important centre for the manufacture of textiles, particularly wool and linen, its location on the south back of the Ilen river gave the town access to Baltimore Harbour from where corn and flour were exported. An extensive brewery was established here in 1809 which supplied the surrounding areas as did the weekly markets which were noted for their abundance of provisions. Skibbereen has been the cathedral town of the diocese of Ross since the 19th century' (Zajac et al. 1995, 89). See attached Down Survey map of Carbury Barony and the parish map of Creagh. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 5' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 13 August 2021