Sites and Monuments Record · Ireland
Castle - tower house
Castlefreke, County Cork, Ireland
The record
- Townland
- Castlefreke
- County
- Cork
- Country
- Ireland
- Latest-edition OS map
- Rathbarry Castle (in Ruins) (1944)
- Coordinates
- 51.56603, -8.97724
- SMR number
- CO143-074002-
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
Shown on 4 historical map sheets, the earliest the 1790 "Composite: Ireland." (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries).
This record in the National Monuments Service's Historic Environment Viewer ↗
The National Monuments Service's description
Overlooking Rahavarrig Lough and Long Strand to S and stream to W; land sloping down gently to N and E. According to Gillman (1897, 7) built by Randal Oge Barry in 15th century but by 1642 in possession of Arthur Freke when subjected to prolongued and unsuccessful siege by Irish forces (Gillman 1897, 1-20). Site now occupied by 19th century farm buildings of Castlefreke estate. Little of earlier defences survive: at SE corner of coachyard rounded arch (axis E-W) covering rectangular area (7.3m x 4.1m), springs from two noticably thick walls (Wth 1.2m) though now much altered and rebuilt. To S and W site skirted by tall revetment wall built against rock face. Projecting from this to south is semi-hexagonal bastion with blocked-up semicircular arched opes which appear to have been for cannon (Gillman 1897, 5); bastion now filled-in and top level with ground inside. Farmyard now being converted into folk park.
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
Nearby in the register
- Bawnunder 1 mi
- Buildingunder 1 mi
- Barrow - ring-barrowunder 1 mi
- Enclosureunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.