Castle - unclassified

The National Monuments Service's description

This unclassified castle is referred to in the 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork - vol. 3 Mid-Cork' (1997, 343) under the entry (no. 9387) for a moated site (CO062-109001-). The unclassified castle is mentioned in the entry as follows: 'In NE quadrant, roughly square area (8m N-S; 8m E-W) is defined by low rise to E; scarp to S with walling (L 3.2m; H 1.2m; min. T 1.2m) at E end of S side; outer face of single course of walling visible for c. 4m at centre of W side. Probably site of 'Gynes Castle (site of)', indicated in NE quadrant on 1937 OS 6-inch map. Castle built by Ralph de Guines who died in 1280; survey in 1656 declared castle as 'ruinous' (Healy 1988,46-7). Day (1892, 187) described 'brick-arched recess with finely-cut and moulded stone stairs' where body of Captain Joseph Capel of Cloghroe House 'lay according to his desire for a day and night', hence named 'Capel's Hole' on 1937 OS 6-inch map. Hartnett (1939, 278) notes that this was in SE corner of interior. Day (ibid., 188) also described 'stone chair looking NW, which appears to have been one of those in which the chieftains were enthroned in ancient days', which Hartnett (ibid., 279) located towards centre of interior. No visible surface trace of stone chair orbrick-lined vault noted, however area overgrown and fallen trees remain scattered across site. Named 'site of Grave Yard' on 1842 OS 6-inch map.'

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 3: Mid Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009