Castle - tower house

The National Monuments Service's description

On E bank of Sullane river, just S of Macroom bridge (CO071-048----), within Macroom town. Castle itself, a multi-period 3-storey rectangular structure, demolished c. 1967, when a technical school was erected in its place. Smith (1750, vol. 1, 179-80) described the castle of consisting of 'two square towers about 60 feet high, with a large modern building between them'; this was converted, in early 19th century, into 'an elegant modern mansion' (Lewis 1837, vol. 2, 328). Probably contemporary with this latter conversion is embattled facade, of neo-Tudor appearance, along the riverbank; part of this facade is tall square tower of 19th-century appearance (access to interior not gained by survey). Facing town square to E is embattled gateway to demesne, also of 19th-century appearance. Area between river-side facade and gateway mostly occupied by disused garage; part of its street frontage includes stone door surround with shouldered arch, possibly of 17th-century date.
Castle of Mac Carthy clan, apparently 'repaired and beautified by Teigue McCarthy, who died in 1565' (Lewis ibid.). Burnt a number of times in 17th century (Healy 1988, 60-1); the restored house was burnt in 1922 (ibid.) and remained a ruin until demolished. Armorial plaque, from above the front door, now in Macroom Museum.

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