What is recorded here

Swifts Tower stands ruined on a south-facing slope in the demesne of Castle Townshend, County Cork. The square structure measured three metres north to south and rose two storeys with a large round-headed window facing the harbour. It was built as a belvedere, a place to see and be seen, but time has stripped it back to bones. The harbour still glitters below, waiting for eyes that no longer climb the stairs.

Square tower (int: 3m N-S) on S-facing slope overlooking harbour, in demesne of Castle Townshend. Two storey with large round headed first floor window in S wall. 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

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.