Metalworking site

The National Monuments Service's description

In N bank of Bandon river, just SW of Downdaniel Bridge and Castle (3397; 3057). Part of English East Indian Company Iron Works, in use from 1610s -1640s (O'Sullivan 1988, 7-14). Overgrown U-shaped mound (8m NE-SW; 6mNW-SE), open to NE, c. 8m SE of very steep overgrown slope (cut into gravel). Mound best preserved to SW end (max. H 2m); external stone facing on SW arm; NW arm (ext. H 5m). NE wall no longer survives; possibly remains of blast furnace. Remains of circular, iron basin (diam. 1.06m; H 0.6m) set into ground at N corner. Wedge-shaped enclosure (35m NE-SW) to NE defined by steep slope to NW, and stone wall to NW. Iron slag and vitrified stone visible in field (known locally as Castle garden) to NE. Two leats to NW near Kilpatrick railway tunnel may be associated with site. (see McCracken 1957, 128)

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009