What is recorded here

Sheela-na-gig guards the entrance of Ballynacarriga Castle, her carved body catching light above the door since the tower rose on its rocky eminence. Her oversized head, droopy ears and splayed legs face east, as if watching the lough and warning every person who enters. The castle has stood for centuries, yet her expression still feels present, proud and unafraid.

Ballynacarriga Castle is a four storey tower house (CO108-051003-) on rocky eminence with good view in all directions; overlooking Ballynacarriga Lough to SW. Sheela-na-gig (dims. H 0.45m) situated above entrance into tower house, on outer E face of wall at 1st-floor level. Described by Freitag as a ‘standing figure with splayed legs and feet turned outwards; upper part of body depicted disproportionally large. Big head with huge droopy ears and asymmetrical eyes accentuated by different shape and size. Long, slightly bent arms reach down to grasp vulva from behind splayed thighs’ (Freitag 2004, 124). Tower may be a century older than 1585 when upper storeys probably modified. National Monument no. 425. 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. Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 22 May 2012

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