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On top of a steep incline on S shore of Castle Haven bay; known as 'Bryan's Fort'. Built as fortified dwelling by Colonel Richard Townsend c. 1650 (Kerrigan 1980, 12). Remains of square enclosure (int. L 8m) with bastion-shaped projections at each corner; NW and ES bastions partially collapsed; quite overgrown. Poorly preserved gable on E wall, with doorway and fireplace at 1st floor level; no return gable on W wall and unlikeley if entire structure roofed. Ground floor linteled door in W wall; just inside is flight of stone steps rising to SW corner, giving access to wall walk (Wth 0.9m) along S wall- most of parapet fallen; doors from wall walk to SE and SW bastions. All bastions of two floors except SE. Numerous gun loops in all towers at 1st floor level; SE and SW bastions, which overlook the bay, each have a pair of large opes, for cannon. The fort was subject to a number of attacks in 1690 (Townsend 1937, 35-9)
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
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