Town defences

The National Monuments Service's description

City walled before end of 12th century (Bradley et al. 1985, 46-52; Thomas 1992, vol. 2, 62). Record of repairs numerous up to late 17th century. Besieged by Williamites under Marlborough, in 1690 causing serious damage (O Murchadha 1990). Survey carried out in 1733 shows stretches broken down and built over. Medieval walls enclosed sub-rectangular area (c. 654m N-S; c. 225m E-W). Sixteen mural towers existed along wall and at least two major gate ways (CO074-03002-; CO074-03412-). According to MacCarthy (1982) 'substantial fragments of wall still exist' on S side of Hanover Street. Recent excavations have uncovered parts of wall at St. Peter's Market (Hurley 1986); Christ Church Lane (Twohig 1978, 21; Twohig 1974; Twohig 1977), Bishop Lucey Park (Hurley 1985; Hurley 1989; Hurley 1990), Tuckey Street (Hurley and Power 1981), Grand Parade Hotel (Hurley and Power 1981), 81-83 Grand Parade (Wren 1992), Grattan Street (Power 1992), Beamish and Crawford brewery (Cleary 1988) & Kyrl's Quay (Hurley 1992).

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009