Timoleague Castle

Ivy-clad remains of tower (13.4m N-S; 10.8m E-W) on W bank of Argideen river near junction with Courtmacsherry estuary. Tower now two storeys; photo of 1907 (Fuller 1907, 8) shows four storey tower with gables and chimney stacks; castle damaged by explosion in 1920s, reduced in height by Cork County Council in 1930s. NE corner collapsed. Ground floor doorways with pointed arches in E and S walls; S door covered by gun loop. Double-splayed windows at ground-floor level. Door in W wall at 1st-floor level leads to mural stairs; door in E wall has mural stairway rising from N ingoing, mural chamber off S ingoing. Window transome (now on ground at foot of S wall) bears inscription "DB ET ER ME FECET" on one face and "1586 AUGUST 1" on another (DB is David Barry and ER his wife Ellen Roche). This inscription probably dating refurbishment; similar inscription cut on window transom at Barryscourt Castle in east Cork. 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

Timoleague Castle, Castle Lower was built in the 15th century by the O'Driscoll clan, a prominent Gaelic family in west Cork. It is remembered as a strategic stronghold in the region and for its association with the historical power struggles between the Gaelic Irish and English authorities.