Bawn

The National Monuments Service's description

On slight rise, in flat low-lying area of reclaimed slob (Coleman 1915, 67-8). Barryscourt Castle (CO075-018001-) is located at SW corner of, and partially enclosed by, a bawn wall which has towers at SE, NE and NW corners. Internal face of E, N and W bawn walls partially obscured by and lowered to accommodate 18th\19th century farm buildings. S bawn wall (L 24.5m) heavily reconstructed; 2-storey 19th-century farmhouse, now coffee-shop, built against external face. Original entry to bawn through rebuilt segmental-arched gateway in S bawn wall. SE corner tower (5.4m x 5m) recently repaired. E bawn wall (L 44m) has recent break near SE tower. NE tower (c. 5.2m x 5m) has vaulted chamber lit by slit windows partially blocked to form musket loops.
N bawn wall runs W for 34.5m, then returns N for short distance (L c. 4m) before running W a further 10.5m, latter section wider and more prominently battered. NW tower (c. 4.5m N-S; c. 4.0m E-W), flush with N bawn wall, projects to W; contains chamber with large garderobe. W bawn wall (L 32.5m) has two large double-light pointed-arch windows with widely-splayed embrasures and window seats. At S end of W wall short return E (L c. 7m) to NW corner of tower house.
Underlying W bawn wall and NW tower, on slightly different alignments, wall foundations of undressed masonry, indicate presence of earlier structure; similar wall recently uncovered near NE corner of bawn (Lenon 1989a). Projecting section of N bawn wall, NW tower and W bawn wall, all part of early hall-type structure possibly in 13th/14th century, largely 15th century. Otherwise bawn wall and its corner towers of 15th century date; NW and SE towers refurbished in 16th century.

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

This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 4/1974).