Architectural fragment in Castlegregory

Castlegregory KE027-008---- is probably that which is referred to as the 'House of Hore' by A. O'Daly in his satire 'The Tribes of Ireland' (O'Donovan 1852, 75). By 1601 the castle was in the possession of the Husseys (Fiants Irel. Eliz., No's. 6494, 6498, 6504). During the Cromwellian conquest, probably in 1649, Smith records that Walter Hussey garrisoned the castle, but being pressed by Parliament forces the garrison escaped to Minard Castle where they were subsequently 'blown up by powder' (Smith 1756, 195-6). Though standing in Smith's time, no trace of the castle remained in 1841 (OSL). A number of fragments, some undoubtedly from the Castle, are preserved in a garden at the rear of Egan's shop in Castlegregory: (1) Fig. 216a. Two arched limestone sections of a doorway are now incorrectly assembled in an ornamental gateway. They are chamfered and the surfaces are tooled. The slightly recessed spandrels contain a contracted inscription: V.D.M:A.I:HLIYVI./HV:H.ET.E.M:M.E:E/.IO. B.MH.O This inscription, which is clearly legible, was incorrectly interpreted and expanded into a romantic tale in the Kerry Magazine (1854, 136-8, 151-6, 172-4, 191-4; 1855, 10-5). The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 1003. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 9 August 2013