Coppingers Court (in Ruins) — Ballyvireen

Three storey with attic, on W bank of Roury river, in secluded valley; overlooked from W, N and E. Partially ivy-clad; upper parts of walls in poor condition. Rectangular block (21.8m E-W; 8m N-S) with towers at NE (7.35m N-S; 8.1m E-W) and NW (7.4m N-S; 8.3m E-W) corners and at centre of S wall (4.6m N-S; 8.2m E-W). S tower appears to have contained wooden newel stairs (Samuel 1984, 68-71). Door and window surrounds poorly preserved but surviving lights square-headed with transome and mullion divisions; external hood mouldings with stepped terminals. Main block had central partition lobby at all levels judging by paired doors from stairway. House well furnished with fireplaces which fed seven stacks, of which four survive; largest fireplace at ground level in NW tower, probably the kitchen. NE tower has only basement in house. Five sets of machicolations cover most external walls; remaining walls covered by nine gun loops at ground level. Enclosure on N side of house had buildings along W side; some traces surviving, including large fireplace with bread-oven. Built by Sir Walter Coppinger early in 17th century (Donovan 1876, 208); burnt in 1641 (Smith 1815, vol 1, 208), probably unoccupied since then. 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