A beautifully restored 15th Century Castle built by the de Burgos, descendants of William the Conqueror, and one of the largest landowning families in Galway.

Strongford Castle is located close to the village of Craughwell, County Galway; and the historic St. Clerans Hotel, once owned by Director John Heuston and in striking distance of the hunting grounds of the famed Galway Blazers.

The Castle is approached via a narrow peaceful country road over a bridge on what would historically have been the main road to Dublin when the Castle was built.

The castle had fallen into ruin until recent times, when a succession of owners lovingly renovated and restored it.

Two fabulous gargoyles mounted on the main gates guard the entrance to the Castle, which is set in rural pastureland with a river close by. The bawn wall protects the Castle privacy.

Once within the protection of the bawn wall, a beautiful arched doorway with heavy oak door lit by antique lanterns leads one into the Castle with the layout as follows:

Entrance Hall with obligatory Murder Hole above;

The Ground Floor contains the Great Hall/ Livingroom which is heated by a wood burning stove, extremely warm and cosy, with terracotta tiled floors, whitewashed walls with fabulous vaulted ceilings and chandelier, plenty of light and pretty country views from each window; a well designed galley kitchen lies off the entrance hall.

The winding stairs leads to the first floor, to the fabulous Master Bedroom, fit for a king! Beamed ceilings, red deal floors, and a mystical shower in a castle turret, what more could one desire?

On the second floor are two double guest bedrooms, with a main bathroom on the landing.

A stained glass door leads to the parapet, one can almost picture Rapunsal tossing her hair in the soft Galway mist.

This is a beautiful example of a tenderly and lovingly restored Irish Castle, bound to delight and entrance the viewer.

Helen Cassidy, B.A.(Mod)MIAVI
Auctioneer and Valuer,
Clonbur House,
Clonbur, County Galway,
Ireland.
00353 949546868
00353 87 2463748

Moyode Castle, a stunning example of a sixteenth-century fortified tower house located around 3.5 miles from the Galway market town of Athenry, has recently come to market.

Sitting in rural splendour at the far edge of a 35 acre grazing pasture, the top of the tower has unsurpassed views of largely unspoiled countryside. To the south lies Slieve Aughty, to the north and east large tracts of open farming lands and stands of pine, to the west the Tenneysonian ruins of the eighteenth century Ascendancy manor of Moyode House, once home to the Galway Blazers and its legendary huntmaster, Burton Persse, a relative to Lady Gregory.

Purchased as a ruin by the American historian James Charles Roy in 1969, the tower has been largely restored: the walls repointed, the gables rebuilt and roofed with historic "blue bangers," many of the floors paved in liscannor stone, window lintels installed and glassed. Additionally, Moyode has running water and toilet facilities, propane gas for kitchen utilities, a new bawn wall, magnificent mahogany "great gate," and the standard medieval necessity -- a huge open fireplace. Ceiling heights in the Great Hall are 22 feet! With the castle come extensive right of ways to the nearest county road, parking and storage in the old carriage house of the Persses, and a new drilled well.

The history of most such buildings, given Ireland's turbulent past, is mostly locked away in the foggy reaches of myth, imagination, and more than the usual dose of blarney. Such is not the case with Moyode. Reached at his home near Boston, Massachusetts, Roy indicated that Moyode, at least, "isn't haunted by any ghosts, at least none that I've heard of, which is rare to say the least for the west of Ireland." Dr. Roy's fascinating new book, The Fields of Athenry: A Journey Through Irish History, lays the details bare. "The tower was built around 1575 by the Dolphin family, who were originally of Norse descent and who came over to Ireland with William de Burgo, known as The Conqueror, who was in the train of young Prince John, Henry II's son. The Dolphins were basically feudal retainers, and their fortunes rose and fell primarily in relation to how things were going with the de Burgos. In 1270, for instance, a low point in de Burgo lore, two Dolphins were killed by the O'Connors as they defended their de Burgo overlord, or so The Four Masters tell us. Over the centuries, as the de Burgos became Irish-speaking clansmen, the Dolphins followed suit and were rewarded with grants of lands, such as Moyode. In fact, a stretch of land between Athenry and Loughrea became known as The Dolphinage to signify the many holdings this family held here. They were really part of the landscape, but no more."

The dreadful wars from Elizabeth on up to the Boyne decimated the family, according to Roy. "They remained faithful to their religion and to their clan's allegiance to the Stuarts, and they paid for it. Dolphins were gradually scattered all over the world, from Spain to Barbados. There aren't too many left in Ireland, though I found a considerable colony of Dolphins happily settled out west in the state of Iowa! When I contacted a few of them, many didn't even know they had a family history, and knew nothing of their connection to Galway and Ireland." Moyode then passed through many hands (income from Moyode Demesne was even used to pay off mistresses of King James II!), eventually coming into possession of the Persse family, well known locally as landlords and huntsmen. Moyode Castle became a lawn ornament for the mansion the Persses built just 300 yards away, the ruins of which, with dairies, yew garden, bell tower, and family graveyard, can still be seen today. Its last important brush with history came in 1916, when Liam Mellows used the demesne as his headquarters during "The Rising in the West." The castle served as his watchtower. All of this dramatic narrative is colorfully described in Roy's book. "Some people put it down and say, none of this can be true," says the author, "this all reads like a novel. I have to assure them that, in fact, all these incredibly dramatic events really happened."

This well-known author, who spent his entire career documenting the history of Moyode Castle and its environs with such loving attention, sold Moyode Castle to a couple of young enthusiastic Dublin men, who set about completing the renovations here to sucessfully blend the Historical with today's creature comforts; The best of both worlds! The main improvements made were to reinstal the fifth floor using 1" thick Douglas fir boards 10" in width, replace and reinstate the first floor and the mezzanine floor in the Great Hall using Douglas fir, Electricity has been installed and the Castle wired throughout. All of the internal stone work on all floors cleaned, the owners have also damp proofed the Castle - sealed leaks, releaded the roof, pointed walls, replaced all gutters and fitted a cowl to the chimney, cleaned the liscannor floors and stone stairway, fitted rope banister on stairs, installed two spiral stairs to mezzanine floor and to the fifth floor. replaced all timber beams throughout, Kitchen will be installed shortly and fenced around the Castle and provide gates and mark out the roadway

These particulars are intended to give a fair description of the property only and are in no way guaranteed, nor do they form part of any contract. They are issued on the express condition that all negotiations are conducted through Helen Cassidy. All properties are offered subject to contract and to being unsold.

Helen Cassidy, B.A.(Mod)MIAVI
Auctioneer and Valuer,
Clonbur House,
Clonbur, County Galway,
Ireland.
00353 949546868
00353 87 2463748

Glengarriff Castle Estate, Bantry Bay, Glengarriff, Co. Cork.

Located in Bantry Bay, one of the Deepest and most Beautiful Natural Harbours in the World.

A UNIQUE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY IN ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST SCENIC LOCATIONS:

The history of the Castle & the Area:


Glengarriff Castle was built sometime in the 1790’s by Colonel Simon White, brother of the first Earl of Bantry.

The castle was built in the Gothic Style commanding a panoramic view of Glengarriff Bay. The woodlands of the estate encompass a wide variety of trees from Oak, Beech, to Japanese Red Cedar, European Larch, Chilean Pine and a variety of shrub and flora  species. Wildlife to be seen include Red Squirrel, Sika Deer, Seals, and the more common Fox and Pine Marten.

Over the years Glengarriff has extended hospitality to Royalty, Artists, and Writers such as Thackeray, Synge, Yeats and when living in the area George Bernard Shaw is said to have written his play St Joan. Maureen O’Hara who starred with John Wayne in The Quiet Man has for many years maintained a holiday home adjacent to Glengarriff Castle.

The castle operated as a resort until the late 1970’s but has since fallen derelict.
Glengarriff is a haven of unspoilt beauty on the South West coast of Ireland. Sheltered by the Caha Mountains the scenery ranges from rock strewn hill to wooded glens and luxuriant gardens caressed by the mild currents of the Gulf Stream.

The castle estate comprises 45 acres and extends from the main Bantry road to the shoreline of Glengarriff harbour, an island dotted inlet at the head of historic Bantry Bay.

Garnish Island and it’s famous Italian gardens with stone balustrades and Grecian
pillars lies just offshore. Garnish has a setting of rare flowers and exotic plants that makes it the major tourist attraction in the area. The Island was bequeathed to the Irish people in 1953.

The Glengarriff area

The Glengarriff area has a rich diversity of available leisure activity including Golf at Glengarriff and Bantry Golf Clubs with Cycling along the way marked routes.

Potential for the development of Equestrian facilities. River and lake fishing, sailing and other water sports on Bantry Bay.

Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve, 300 hectares in extent, is located at the Eastern end of this glacially deepened valley in the old red Sandstone rock formation of West Cork. The mild Gulf Stream
climate and sheltered position provides opportunities for a range of walks in tranquil woodland surroundings, ranging from strolling on country roads that run through the reserve to following the various woodland trails.

Visit the exotic Bamboo Park with it’s many species of Bamboo and Palm tress. or take the ferry to Garnish Island which is listed as one of the finest cultivated island gardens in Europe.

West Cork has traditionally always been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland and Glengarriff is located in a spectacular setting close to superb amenities.

Glengarriff Castle and Apartments:

* The Glengarriff Castle and Apartments Development is located on an estate of 45 acres with spectacular views and access to Bantry Bay.

* The hotel incorporates Glengarriff Castle which is being restored and refurbished to a high standard.
The reception area will re-create the grand atmosphere and historic beauty of the original structure.

* The hotel complex will provide 3 luxurious Castle Suites,
    * 94 superior design four star spacious bedrooms,
    * 2 restaurants,
    * 2 bars,
    * Conference Centre,
    * Function Room,
    * Leisure Centre, which includes a luxury spa, pool and treatment facilities.

* 2 Commercial Units.

* 18 apartments adjacent to the hotel.

* 15 Minutes from Bantry,
    30 minutes from Kenmare,
    60 minutes from Killarney.
    1.5 h from Cork Airport
    1.5 h from Kerry Airport
    2.5h from Shannon Airport

* Glengarriff Castle Hotel will provide a place where you can relax in luxury in a spectacular natural setting, or stroll through mature trails in the rugged terrain of wooded park lands and scenic sea front walks along Bantry Bay.

Tax relief information:


* Hotel Capital Allowances
    Capital allowances should be available at a rate of 4% per annum based on the qualifying construction and refurbishing expenditure for a period of 25 years.

* Glengarriff Castle has been included by Cork County Council as a Protected Structure in the Draft County Development Plan in accordance with Section 12 (3) of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The inclusion of this structure is in recognition of its special architectural and historic interest.

As it is a conservation and restoration project, Glengarriff Castle and Gardens are therefore likely to benefit from Section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.

Investors who sponsor conservation works in Ireland can avail of a Special Tax Relief which provides that the cost of conservation work on certain buildings and gardens is tax deductible against all taxable income of the person incurring the expenditure. The effect of this is that the developer receives an interest free loan for 3 years and the investor also makes a profit.

The restoration of the original Castle building and the restoration of
the formerly extensive and historic gardens could be used to raise
substantial equity.

The Section 482 relief is one of the last remaining tax reliefs available against non-rental income.


As it is a conservation and restoration project, Glengarriff Castle and gardens are therefore likely to benefit from Section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. whereby investors who
sponsor part of the restoration project can offset their contribution against income tax/PAYE over a 4 year period.

The Architects have prepared a scheme design for a further 32 no Holiday Houses arranged in a Courtyard Setting, on a site adjacent to the Hotel. This is subject to planning consent and may be of major benefit to the purchaser.

For further details, plans and viewing arrangements, please contact;

Helen Cassidy, B.A.(Mod)MIAVI
Auctioneer and Valuer,
Clonbur House,
Clonbur, County Galway,
Ireland.

00353 949546868
00353 87 2463748

www.premierpropertiesireland.com
helencassidyauctioneers@eircom.net

Clonony Castle, near Shannon Harbour, County Offaly; Offers in Excess of Euro; 695,000

Clonony Castle, near Shannon Harbour, County Offaly: A beautiful, mystical Medieval Castle on three acres with Moat;

Just recently offered to the Open Market for purchase:
Offers in excess of Euro; 695,000

It is indeed rare to encounter such a Beautiful, Majestic, yet approachable Castle; the pervading atmosphere of timelessness, Elegance, History and Medieval Romance will entrance you, and long before you have have wandered with sheer delight through the grounds, exploring the bewitching sun-filled walled gardens, the daisy strewn meadows, surveying the all-encompassing view of the surrounding countryside, you will be tempted to ascend this Noble, Proud yet welcoming Monument to our past, pause for a while, and allow yourself to absorb the Centuries of life, love and drama that seep through these hand carved walls, wallow in the bewitchment that surrounds you, and be aware that this indeed is Rare.

Herein follows History of Note on Clonony Castle;

Clonony Castle is a Medieval Castle located on the banks of the River Brosna, in the townland of Clononeymore, Shannon Harbour, County Offaly, close to the River Shannon.. . Clonony Castle was built in circa. 1500 by the McCoughlan clan. Until 1600 most of West
Offaly formed the "tuath" or territory of Delvin, the land of the MacCoughlans. The MacCoughlans were renowned Castle builders having Castles at Cloghan, Banagher, Raghra (Shannonbridge), Coole (near Ferbane), Kilcolgan (near Ferbane) and at another dozen sites.

They built so many Castles in this area it is now known as "the landof fair castles." Clonony would be the finest surviving Castle rising over fifty feet into the sky, dominating the scenic area. It is near Shannon Harbour, a busy port on the River Shannon.

County Offaly, formerly Kings County, is in the centre of Ireland.

Clonony Castle was lived in until Modern times. It sits on a rocky outcrop at the South East corner of a Bawn. The gateway to the Bawn is in the West wall and is protected by a machicolation. There are remains of flanking towers at the North West, South West and South East corners. All the flankers are well provided with defensive loops.

The North bawn wall is missing. The entrance to the tower is in the West wall and there are traces of a machicolation at roof level. A spiral stairway rises to the right of the entrance. The ground floor room has a small window in the North wall and a large window in the South wall
set within a deep recess. There are possible fireplaces in the East wall at ground floor and first floor levels. There was a vault above the second floor and the walls were plastered. There appears to be a small chamber at the first floor in the South wall near the East end.
The windows at the first floor in the East and South walls and the North West corner are set within deep recesses.

There is a passage along the West wall at the first floor and a murder-hole leading from this guards the doorway. The stairway is broken above first floor level and does not appear to continue beyond the vault. The Castle was mainly constructed from the local limestone
on a limestone bedrock foundation.

It seems that at some time about the reign of Henry VIII of England, Clonony Castle was in the possession of the Boleyn Family, possibly when the family fled to England to avoid the anger of Henry following the fall from grace of his second wife, Anne Boleyn. At any rate in the centre of the bawn in front of the Castle there is a lone Hawthorn tree........Clonony Castle, the Irish name Cluain Damhna translates as the heir apparents's meadow or the young lords meadow, was built in the early 1500s comprises a three storey rectangular tower house and is protected by an inner and outer bawn wall. The northern boundary of the Castle was protected by a moat.

The outer bawn wall has a central round arched doorway with flanking angle towers at each end. The tower house is built on a limestone bedrock foundation and measures 50 feet in height, constructed from local limestone. On the grounds of Clonony Castle, under a spreading Hawthorne tree, is the Bullen Stone.

This large limestone slab quarried for the remains of Elizabeth and Mary Bullen, nieces of the ill-fated wife of Henry VIII, and cousins to Queen Elizabeth I. When Henry desired the marriage to Ann, he elevated her father to royal status by making him Earl of Ormond and Wiltshire. With the Ormond Earldom came several Irish castles. There are many Bullen, now spelled Boleyn, ancestors in this area, most notably Allison Rosse, Lady Rosse of Birr Castle.

Apart from the Boleyn connection, other notable owners of Clonony Castle include the following:

In the 1620s the castle was granted to Mathew de Renzi who was born in Cologne, moved to Antwerp, London, and thence Ireland. His relationship with the MacCoughlans was curious. Initially he spoke of being ostracised by them (understandably since they had lost their lands to him) but relations improved to the extent that de Renzi later learned the Irish language. His tombstone in Athlone credits him with writing a dictionary in the Irish tongue.

In the 1830s, the Castle belonged to Edmond Molony, a barrister-at-law. A description of Clonony in 1838 states that Molony was a counsellor who "was bred to the law and retained a very proper veneration for it." He kept two flagstaffs on the battlements of Clonony which he used for the purpose of commemorating his professional triumphs. His wife died in January 1839 and was interred in St. George's Chapel in London. The epitaph on her monument erected by her husband is extremely long, having more than 300 words, including the immortal lines:

She was hot, passionate and tender, A highly accomplished lady, And a superb drawer in water colours.

Central Part of Glanmore Castle, Ashford, County Wicklow; € 1.1m

FEATURES

Magnificent 18th Century Castle on the Grounds of Devils Glen Equestrian Village Private Elevated Site with Panoramic Views;Castellated Turret C.2,000 sq.ft.; Superb Prestigious Location 28 Miles South of Dublin City Centre; Charming Country Residence whilst close to Dublin Glorious Setting in Wicklow Countryside; Steeped in History Formerly owned by the Synge Family notably the writer John Millington Synge

Adjacent to two thousand acres of Forestry, Ideal for the Horse Riding/Walking enthusiast Restored, modernised and maintained to an excellent condition; Original Features Throughout Bright & Spacious; Oil Fired Central Heating; Original Coving and Cornicing throughout

DESCRIPTION

Unique period property built in the mid 1700 and sympathetically redesigned in 1804 by the renowned architect Francis Johnston. Formerly the family home of the famous Irish playwright J.M. Synge the property enjoys an idyllic location with marvellous sea and mountain views. The current owners have recently redecorated with great care taken to retain the captivating ambience present in the property. Many period features have been retained to include ornate plaster ceilings, pitch pine and flagstone floors, gothic windows to name but a few. The splendid location has much to offer, equestrian facilities nearby, an array of country pursuits including local hunts, fishing, Druids Glen championship golf course is only minutes away. Owners of Glanmore Castle benefit from private access to the 2000 acres of forestry that back on to the property. Located just 2 miles from the picturesque village of Ashford and only 30 minutes to Dublin.

The Castle has the benefit of solar panel heating.

OUTSIDE

Located in the very heart of the beautiful Garden of Ireland this distinctive Castle nestles within Devils Glen Equestrian Village. The entrance to the Castle is through the gates of Devils Glen and up a sweeping drive where you come upon your first sight of the imposing Castle in all its splendour. The Castle itself has its own very clear boundaries. Entered through impressive gates, the driveway leads you to the entrance of the Castle with grassy woodland to either side. The property has a unique elevated position and allows it to take advantage of the magnificent countryside views. The property is adjacent to the Vartry River and one thousand acres of forestry, a delight for the walking/horse riding enthusiast.

ROOF TOP TERRACE

Fantastic asset being both enclosed & sheltered by a castellated wall and battlements flanked by two bartizans with 360 degree views across The Devils Glen & surrounding parkland towards the sea .

ACCOMMODATION

Castle Pook, Doneraile, County Cork

SOLD

The castle was built around 1500, or possibly re-built: Geoffrey Synon is known to have built a castle on the site around 1380, and the archaeologists have told me that some of the stone work over the arrow slits is well before 1500, and so likely to have come from the earlier structure.

The land is a little over five acres. The site is on a high, rocky outcrop at the foot of the Ballyhouras, and has clearly been a defended site since prehistoric times. There are the remains of at least one ring fort, and traces of ancient ramparts. The remains of the bawn wall make a ridge around the area nearest the castle, and there is a dry moat still visible.

It is of course a protected structure, but the archaeologists from Duchas told me there would be no problem getting permission for restoration, as long as it was done according to their guidelines (and as one of them told me, “it’s in good shape for a ruin,” though I’m not sure what that means). Access from the road is included in the property. 

Some history: the castle and its legends about the pooka may be the source of the name Puck which Shakespeare gave the spirit Robin Goodfellow in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The poet Edmund Spenser lived at Kilcolman, just three miles away, so of course he knew the castle and the legends attached to it (more, he was involved with lawsuits against the Synons). Spenser introduced the Pook to the English in his poem, the Epithalamium – “ne let the Pook, nor other evil sprites…Pray us with things that not be” – which he wrote to mark his marriage, and which first appeared in early 1595. English scholars acknowledge that Shakespeare took Puck from Spenser’s Pook, but they seem largely unaware of Spenser’s likely inspiration, Castle Pook.

Ardnamona House is a beautifully restored former Dower House for Lough Eske Castle standing on 88 acres in the South West of County Donegal.

It is now famous for its National Heritage Gardens which are laid out in a superb situation below the Blue Stack Mountains and overlooking Lough Eske. In the Topographical Dictionary of Ireland 1835 Ardnamona is described as " one of the most picturesque domains in rural Ireland".

The writer, Victoria Trench, was captivated by her first view of the house from the lake, " romantic and picturesque with an appealing beauty which clings around the heart as if it belonged to a dream world.'

The property is fifteen minutes drive from Donegal town with its 15th Century Castle and remains of a 13th Century Abbey. Letterkenny, with its impressive Cathedral and Museum, is the County's largest town and is 31 miles away.

Sligo town and Airport are 40 miles to the South and Derry Airport with two daily direct flights to London Stansted, is 43 miles. Dublin and its international airport is 137 miles, and Belfast and its international airport are 116 miles.

Ardnamona's Gardens are amongst the finest in Ireland, and were awarded National Heritage Status in 1991. The grounds extend to approximately 88 acres and include substantial frontage onto Lough Eske and two jetties. The internationally renowned collection of rhodedendrons were mostly planted in the 1880's from seeds and cuttings brought to Ardnamona from the Imperial Gardens in Peking and the Palace Gardens in Katmandu. Most of the specimen trees, which include Nikko Fir, Oriental Spruce, Coastal Redwood, Monkey Puzzle and wellingtoria) were planted in the 1830's to form a long ride from the house down to the lakeshore. The walks and paths are laid out in specialist areas such as the Japanese Garden, Sunken Garden, Pinetum and Arboretum.

1. 
   The house dates from the 1830's and is built of stone with a slate roof. It has been tastefully and sympathetically restored to a high degree of comfort and has oil fired central heating.

It is approached by a long avenue of nearly half a mile flanked by magnificent rhodedendrons. The Victorian wrought-iron and slate porch opens into the main Hall with window overlooking the lake. , plaster ceiling cornice, wooden floors and panelling. Inner Hallway, carved wooden staircase, stained glass window, Drawingroom with plaster ceiling cornice, decorative 17th century stone fire surround and bay window. An archway leads to the Library. The Diningroom also has wooden floorboards and a bay window, plaster ceiling cornices, recessed alcove and cast iron fire surround. Morning Room with French Windows and courting seat, Cloakroom, Office, fully equipped Kitchen with Aga.

Back Annexe: The Music Gallery with wooden floorboards, exposed beamed ceilings and doors to the gardens, Playroom with doors to the sunfilled Courtyard, Pantry and Laundry Room.

There are six double Bedrooms with private Bathrooms ensuite, and a seventh Bedroom and bathroom.

The Courtyard, with large central fountain, contains the Coach House, two Stables and a Workshop, and a Cottage with three Bedrooms, a bathroom, livingroom with woodburning stove and Kitchen.

There are three further stone Out Houses currently used for general storage and for stabling a donkey, and a four bay stone hay shed. There is also a Gate Lodge, in need of total restoration.

Adjacent to Ardnamona, and formerly part of the Estate is one of the last primeval native oak woods of Ireland, providing the property with unrivalled privacy and seclusion.

The Good Garden Guide describes Ardnamona as " wild gardening at its most exuberant and refined; a Himalayan Mountain slope cloaked with a primeval rhodedendron forest, 60 feet tall, with a carpet of leaves underfoot."

Joint Agents:
Helen Cassidy, Auctioneer, Clonbur, County Galway: 09495 46868 / 087 2463748
www.premierpropertiesireland.com

William Montgomery, exclusive affiliate of Sothebys International: 048 42788668
or 028 9032 1707

email: william.montgomery@sothebys.com

Carrignacurra Castle, on the banks of the River Lee at Macroom,
Co. Cork: Offers in excess of € 250,000

Enclosed: View of the castle from the footbridge crossing the River Lee, and view of the River from the upstairs window.

Carrignacurra Castle on the River Lee: Partly restored Tower House on about two acres of land and river fronting the glorious River Lee... unusually, this property spans both banks of the River Lee:

This would be a Castle of some note, being the last remaining Tower House home of the ancestors of the O'Leary Clan.

Carrignacurra, meaning Carraig na Choradh- Rock of the weir. Here was an eel weir on the River Lee in 17th century. At the north side is Carrignacurra Castle which was the chief residence of the O’Learys of Iveleary. This particular branch was known as O’Leary Meirgeach or the Ensign Clan. Masters bought both castles and lands from the Hollow Sword Blade Company about 1723 and built a dwelling house nearby calling it Castle Masters. The Hollow Sword Blade Company, an English company engaged in the manufacture of edged weapons for the Crown, were often granted lands in lieu of cash payments, and so acquired the greater part of the forfeited lands of Muskerry in 1703.

Please contact: sole agent: Helen Cassidy, Auctioneers: 09495 46868 / 087 2463748

Article by Peter O' Leary on the reconstruction of Carrignacurra Castle.

Carrignacurra Castle has undergone long awaited renovation in recent times. . There had been tentative plans for this Project for many years, but now it has reached the stage of action.
There were three Tower Houses built in Inchigeelagh Parish by the O'Leary ruling Clan. Two of these, Carrignaneela and Dromcarra, were sadly and wilfully destroyed, and the only remaining structure created during our Gaelic past was the noble pile at Carrignacurra. Even this was not expected to be spared by the vandals, and there was serious demolition of the four corners of the castle done during this century, and in an attempt to cause the castle to fall, and profit to accrue from the sale of stone. Luckily this failed due to the immense strength built in to these structures.

The first task was to save the building from collapse by building up and strengthening the four corners which had been undermined. Then followed the installation of three timber sub-floors at the second, third and fifth levels. More recently the old Loft has been restored, and with it its slated roof. In addition there has been considerable rebuilding of loops, windows, door surrounds, the murder hole and other details.
The whole effect is quite remarkable. All has been done in good taste and to a high quality. The original structure has been faithfully followed, and there have been no new or more modern designs introduced.
We understand from Maxim that the building will eventually be restored to allow its use for residence, and this will require a few departures from the original to bring the living conditions up to modern requirements. The sub-floor construction will permit pipes and wiring to be concealed, and there will be use of electrics, water from a well, sewage and storm water disposal and central heating.
There is much to do in the garden areas surrounding the Tower House, and a start has been made in building a low wall where the Bawn wall originally stood. Over the next few years the garden will be brought under control and stocked with shrubs etc.

It is also a pleasure to report that there will be some limited access to allow members of our community, visitors with O'Leary connections and other interested parties to see the work in progress, as well as the finished work.
We will be watching progress with interest and will report this in subsequent issues of the Journal.