Period Property For Sale: Cork

Carrignacurra Castle, near Macroom, Co. Cork
A partly restored tower house on about two acres of land and river fronting the glorious River Lee

Carrignacurra Castle is a 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, or Carraig na Choradh, means 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 in about 1723 and built a dwelling house nearby calling it Castle Masters. The Hollow Sword Blade Company, an English company that was 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.

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 3 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 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 into 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 a 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.

Price: €250,000
Last update: 3rd April 2012
Contact: Helen Cassidy, Premier Properties Ireland
Tel.: +353 (0)94 954 6868
Mobile: +353 (0)87 2463748
Email: helencassidyauctioneers@eircom.net

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