Bawn in Toehead

Subrectangular area projecting S into Atlantic; connected to mainland by narrow neck with V-shaped profile. Excavations by O'Kelly (1952, 35-54) showed that fosse of early defences (CO151-040---) re-cut in late medieval times when headland re-fortified. At neck stone causeway constructed on landward side of fosse; according to O'Kelly wooden drawbridge linked causeway to interior. Along edge of promontory sections of curtain wall survived, particularly to N, with opening corresponding to causeway. On S side of enclosure O'Kelly uncovered lower courses of rectangular structure (min. Wth 16ft; L 33ft) missing S end due to erosion. House had internal partition wall with smaller room used as kitchen with remains of 'hearth or wall-oven' in one corner. Overlying floor of house charred remains of wooden roof timbers and slates showing house destroyed by fire. Associated with occupation of house pottery of period 1550-1650, also lead ball bullets of about 1650. Many of the coastal promontory forts along the West Cork coastline were re-fortified in this period with tower-house and bawn enclosures (eg Dundeady CO144-039003-; Downeen CO143-069002-). 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