Castle - unclassified

The National Monuments Service's description

In 1599 Hugh O'Neill raided two places at NW corner of Great Island: 'Shanecourt' and 'Killhodeneigue' (Dennehy 1923, 58-9), both probably Hodnett castles. Land in possession of Ronaynes by 1614, they married into Hodnett line in 1642 when structure known as 'Ronaynes Court' existed (Healy 1988, 151). Downe Survey map of 1652 shows three structures in present day Marino townland. By early eighteenth century Ronaynes had replaced Ronaynes Court as family residence with country house (CO075-027---), however Healy (ibid) implies earlier building may have remained in separate occupation, though apparently ruined by late eighteenth century. Exact location of structures earlier that country house not known; late seventeenth century farm building (CO075-027-) in farmyard of Marino House may be 'a gable of old mansion' mentioned by Dennehy (1923, 58). Between Downe Survey and 1842 OS 6-inch map small townland named Oldcourt separated from Donegal townland to S (and abutting SW corner of Marino), suggesting location of one of these structures. Earlier name for Marino Point 'Póint an Dúna' (Headland of the Fort) and the townland name Dún naGall (Fort of the Foreigners), suggest presence of at least one ancient fortification in this area; most of Marino promontory now occupied by N.E.T. industrial complex.

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