Danielle Purcell

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Visited on 02-03-2024, photograph 1 shows a north-facing view of the south wall of Carrigaphooca castle located in the Carrigaphooca town-land 100 metres north of the Sullane River. The 5 story tower house is built upon a rock outcrop of red/ purple limestone. The south wall has 7 windows, the largest of which is on the fifth floor, a garderobe located at the bottom left corner of the wall, and a machicolation or bartisan at the top left corner directly above the garderobe, which continues onto the west-facing wall. A drip stone is placed beneath the window on the fifth floor for drainage. Projecting stone corbels on the roof level acted as a walkway for a platform or allure that was used for patrol along the castle walls.

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Visited on 02-03-2024 photograph 2 was taken facing south-east and shows the north wall and a partial view of the west wall of Carrigaphooca castle, as well as the partial remains of the bawn wall survived only along the north-west side of the castle. The north wall contains the entrance to the castle which is accessible by a flight of stone stairs. Two bartisans are present in the photograph, one on the top left corner of the north wall, and the other on the top right corner of the west wall which is a continuation of the previous machicolation on the south wall.

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Visited on 02-03-2024, photograph 3 shows a north-facing view of a stone circle located 300 metres northwest of the Sullane River in the Carrigaphooca town-land. Originally only 3 stones survived and from that an estimated 5.5 metre diameter was established for the stone circle.

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Visited on 02-03-2024, photograph 4 was taken facing the south and shows the west of St. Gobnait’s church which is located on the northern side of the Ballyvourney graveyard. The church is located within the Glebe town-land and is a small Neo-gothic church built in 1824 and features embattled towers on the western side of the church.

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Visited on 02-03-2024, photograph 5 was taken facing north and shows St. Gobnait’s holy well which is located 60 metres south of the Ballyvourney graveyard, within the Glebe town-land, and marks the final stage of the pilgrimage. Associated with the holy well is a bile or a sacred tree, located to the left-hand side to the opening of the well, in which ribbons are attached to its branches by pilgrims and offerings are left for the saint.

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Jason Burns

1-Jason Burns-CO070-034

Photo taken facing the northwest corner of Carrigaphooca Castle at a low angle.

The SMR number for this site is: CO070-034

The castle’s name is Carrigaphooca, which means “Castle on the Rock of the Fairy”. It was built on a rocky outcrop near the River Sullane and is surrounded by fertile land. It was built in 1438 by the MacCarthy family and has since had various touch-ups done in the 1970s by the Office of Public Works. The castle is still standing.

Date of the photo: 02/03/2024 at 10:35 am

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Photo taken of the interior, facing the west wall of Carrigaphooca Castle at a low angle from the perspective of the ground floor.

The SMR number for this site is: CO070-034

The roof of the castle still stands and is a blunt barrel vault style. The castle would have had 5 levels, with the ground floor possibly made of straw, three floors made of timber, and the top floor made of stone. Each timber flooring would have used different methods, including stone corbels and beamholes. The windows are a mix of lintel or arch construction. The castle is still standing.

Date of the photo: 02/03/2024 at 10:58 am

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Photo taken on a hill facing northeast

The SMR number for this site is: CO069-013

The townland this stone circle is in is called Gort an Imill, meaning “field of the boundary”. The circle is made of 11 outer stones, 10 standing and one possibly having fallen over, and two blocks of quartz in the middle, acting as the Cloich Griene, or “sunstone”. The possible flat portal stones face south-southwest towards the opposing axial stone.

Date of the photo: 02/03/2024 at 12:17 pm

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Photo taken on a slightly elevated shore facing south

The SMR number for this site is: CO069-017

Clapper Bridge that possibly dates back to Anglo-Norman times (13th to 14th century). It crosses over a shallow section of a bend in the River Douglas. The bridge starts higher at the southeast shore and slowly slopes lower to the northwest shore. It is made of 7 visible long stone slabs and continues into the ground on the northwest shore, with some slabs having fallen at the southeast shore. An excavation was done recently but provided no dating evidence. The bridge is no longer safe for regular use.

Date of the photo: 02/03/2024 at 12:40 pm

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Photo taken facing north

The SMR number for this site is: CO058-034004 and CO058-034005

The site CO058-034004 is described as a Penitential station by the Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. It is believed to be the site of Saint Gobnait’s grave. It has a large flat flab on the top of the mound with crosses roughly etched in by many pilgrims over the years. Visible in the photo is another large slab located south of the mound, described as a “kneeler stone” used for praying. Also visible in the photo are two bullaun stones, CO058-034005. It is still an active religious site.

Date of the photo: 02/03/2024 at 3:46 pm

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Giulia Castellani

1- Giulia Castellani- CO070-034

Site name: Carrigaphooca Castle

SMR number: CO070-034

Viewing direction: NE facing point

Date: 02/03/2024

Description: Situated on a steep rock outcrop, this five-storey rectangular tower has been built straight on the rock crop, lacking proper foundations. Probably built around 1436, this tower house is a fine example of split stone masonry without the addition of any complex decorative features. The entrance was positioned on the North wall with a staircase developing starting from the West wall.

2- Giulia Castellani- CO058-034007

Site name: Saint Gobnait church

SMR number: CO058-034007

Viewing direction: SE facing point

Date: 02/03/2024

Description: Located near the East end of the graveyard, St. Gobnait’s church was expanded on its East side in a later period, transforming the old wall into a slightly off-centre arch. On this arch is possible to see a very worn human head projecting itself towards the audience. This head, also known as the ‘thief head’, was probably an evidence of the existence of a previous romanesque church, beside being a symbol of the church’s relations with folklore.

3- Giulia Castellani- CO069-013

Site name: Gort an Imill stone circle

SMR number: CO069-013

Viewing direction: W facing point

Date: 02/03/2024

Description: Stone circle located in a boggy mountain land, with its two portal stones located approximately at 219° SW. Composed of what on site seemed twelve stones, one has fallen and one could have been added later in time. Inside this stone circle it is possible to spot a quartz stone.

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Site name: Clapper Bridge

SMR number: CO069-017

Viewing direction: S facing point

Date: 02/03/2024

Description: Composed of eleven slabs for an overall measurement of 19m in length, this clapper bridge is found in Rahoonagh West crossing the Douglas river. Some of the South-East slabs have fallen into the river.

5- Giulia Castellani- CO058-034007

Site name: Saint Gobnait church

SMR number: CO058-034007

Viewing direction: NW facing point

Date: 02/03/2024

Description: Situated near the east end of the graveyard, St. Gobnait’s church consists of a nave lit by simple slit windows near the West and South wall and by a pair of opposite windows. On the inside of the North and South walls it is possible to see little openings that could have been used as cupboards or as crevices to return the blood and body of Christ back to the earth.

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James Hickey

1-James Hickey-CO070-034.Viewed March 2nd 2024.
15th century towerhouse in townland of Carrig an Phúca.
5 stories with main door facing to north. East facing side has several windows, most heavily defended side. A steep slop upwards towards east side of tower. Towerhouse just north of Sullane river.

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Viewed March 2nd 2024.
Stone circle a few miles north east of towerhouse, in same townland. 3 stones survive.

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Viewed March 2nd 2024.
Clapper Bridge in townland of Rahoonagh West. One of 6 in Cork with majority of Muskerry area.

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Viewed March 2nd 2024.
Reputed burial site of St Gobnait facing in southerly direction in Glebe townland. Flat slab for kneeling and bullaun stone on each side of grave. Burial area within a much larger complex, includes the ruins of an old Catholic church, a modern Church of Ireland church as well as modern graveyard. Site of rounds of prayers.

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St Gobnaits well. Part of larger complex above. South of Gobnaits grave Last stop on rounds.

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Ben John James Watters

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SMR number: CO070-034. My first image depicts the north wall of Carrigaphooca Castle. This tower house was constructed in 1436 by Donal MacCarthy, of the MacCarthys of Drishane. The five-story tower house measures 10.7 meters on its east and west walls, and 9.3 meters on its north and south walls. Bartizans are located in the northeast and southwest corners of the defensive structure. Picture taken on the 2nd of March, 2024.

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SMR number: CO070-034. My second image depicts an interior viewpoint of Carrigaphooca Castle. Entrance is permitted through a door on the north wall of the ground floor. The chamber on the ground floor measures 6.5 meters on its east-west walls, and 5.4 meters on its north and south walls. A spiral staircase gives access to the rooftop on the fourth floor, and plentiful windows provide sunlight into the structure. Picture taken on the 2nd of March, 2024.

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SMR number: CO069-017. My third image depicts the West Clapper Bridge. The picture was taken facing towards the south. The 13th Century Bridge measures a total of 19 meters in length and comprises 11 slabs on the river. This bridge in Rahoonagh West has been reconstructed and excavated over time because slabs at the southeast end of the bridge have fallen into the river over time. Picture taken on the 2nd of March, 2024.

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SMR number: CO058-034009. My fourth image depicts the Holy Well. The holy well is located South of the Ballyvourney graveyard, down the road. This picture is taken from a South perspective of the well. The well features in St. Gobnaits complex, and multiple religious offerings hang on the tree located beside the well. Picture taken on the 2nd of March, 2024.

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SMR number: CO058-034007. My fifth image depicts the interior structure of Ballyvourney – St. Gobnait’s Church. This photograph was taken facing the east. The chancel arch in the picture was a later addition to the site. St. Gobnait’s Church, Ballyvourney graveyard, and the Holy Well form the St. Gobnait complex. Picture taken on the 2nd of March, 2024.

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Emily Coughlan

Emily Coughlan-CO070-034

East Facing Wall

This is a Tower House constructed in 1436. It is an early example of a Tower House with no decorative features on the outside. The surrounding area has a sandstone environment with valleys and ridges running in east-west direction. There are five levels based on the windows on the east side. The main source of light in this building would be the windows, east facing for maximum sunlight. The number of windows on this side can also be explained by the need to light the stairway. It is built on a natural elevated bedrock surface, to add more natural defence. In the north-east corner there are the remains of a bartizan which also would have been used for defence purposes as well as practical purposes.

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South Facing Wall

The south facing wall shows a garda robe, which is low on this site compared to others of the same period. There is a feature under the highest window of a drip stone. There is a small hole in the great hall and a protruding platform outside to allow mess to be swept out without staining the side of the tower house. This would allow for drainage in the great hall. The largest windows are those at the top around the great hall, due to there being less defence concerns and to allow more light. The tower house is widened at the base to add structural integrity and thicken the wall for defence reasons.

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St. Gobnait’s Well

The site is associated with St Gobnait, the patron saint of bees and deer. Gobnait was a 6th century saint who established her own convent in Ballyvourney. Legend states that an angel told her where she needed to find nine white deer and she found them at a place that was then named after her, St Gobnait’s Wood. There is a towering limestone statue of St. Gobnait that looks over the church and graveyard that was commissioned in 1951. The site is physically separated by the church and graveyard by a active road. On this site there are many motifs of bears and deer, including on the pedestal the statue stands on.

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St Gobnait’s Church and Graveyard.

The site consists of a church, its surrounding graveyard and a protestant church. The church is situated in an east-west direction. The graveyard remains active. The oldest graves are situated north of Teampall Ghobnatan. The church is believed to be built on the site of St Gobnait’s convent. Inside the site consist of graves, a naval and a chancel. It also consists of a modern high cross that pictures St. Gobnait in the background.

Emily Coughlan-CO069-017

Clapper bridges are ancient bridges. It is thought that they have Anglo-Norman origins, but nothing has been confirmed. It is located at Rahoonagh West. The Bridge consists of foundation stones supporting 11 long slabs that form a bridge structure. There are very few remaining clapper bridges in Ireland, however, Cork has a large distribution of them; totally 6. Many of past structures would have been lost in flooding and due to not being properly maintained. This site was recently constructed by a local archaeologist.

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Sze Long Lee

1-Sze Long Lee – CO070-034

Carrigaphooca Castle is a five-story rectangular tower house on a rocky outcrop near the River Sullane. In terms of its landscape setting, it occupies a prominent position overlooking vast expanses of surrounding agricultural lowlands and the river. The castle’s design seems to prioritize creating a visual impact connected to a symbolic meaning of power and control over the landscape rather than solely focusing on defence purposes.

The castle’s entrance is oriented towards the north wall, although it should be noted that the building’s alignment is not precisely north but rather north-northwest. Apart from the entrance, two windows are on the second and third floors. The top floor and the bartizan (Two bartizans survived and are located at the northeast and southwest corners) on the north wall each has one window.

The east wall has the most windows of the four walls, indicating a design consideration for daylighting. Across the first to fourth floors, there are eight windows on the east wall, and the top floor has two windows. However, it should be noted that there is a window between two floors on the east wall, as this side also serves as a location for the staircase and does not represent a separate floor.

The south wall is the closest to the river Sullane. Five windows span the first to fourth floors, and two windows are on the top floor. Additionally, this wall features the only drainage outlet at its base.

The west wall has five windows across the first to fourth floors, and the top floor has one window.

According to information from the National Monument Service, the castle measures 10.7m in length along the east-west axis and 9.3m in width along the north-south axis. Actual measurements inside the building reveal that the ground-floor chamber is 6.5m in length along the east-west axis and 5.4m in width along the north-south axis. The top-floor chamber measures 7.4m in length along the east-west axis and 6.5m in width along the north-south axis.

The photo was taken from the castle’s east side at 10:32 AM on 2nd March 2024.

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Clapper Bridge is a bridge composed of slate and masonry piers, spanning the river Douglas in a south 45 degrees east or north 45 degrees west direction. Despite partially collapsing the structure into the river at the southeast end, the remaining sections can still support pedestrian passage. Five slate blocks forming a walkway above the river are visible to the naked eye. Due to moss and dense nearby vegetation, it is challenging to pinpoint the exact location on a map. The masonry piers constrict the river channel, resulting in noticeably turbulent waters on the northeast side of the bridge.

The provided photo was taken from the northeast side of the bridge, with a capture time of 12:45 PM on 2nd March 2024.

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This Fulacht fia is located east of the CO058-034 St. Gobnet complex, but currently, there is no connection between them in academic discussions other than their geographical proximity. According to existing definitions, a Fulacht fia uses heated stones to heat water in a trough. On-site observations reveal that only the stones placed in the secondary hearth (northwest end of the trough) can be identified due to the growth of vegetation and soil deposits. In the provided photo, several prominent stones can be seen to the right of the ranging pole, situated in the centre of the image. The trampled ground also indicates that the site is covered with a certain thickness of vegetation and soil, obscuring the monument. Based on on-site observations and comparing it to the ranging pole, the exposed stones are approximately one meter high from the ground surface.

The photo was taken from the east-facing side of the secondary hearth, with a capture time of 2:52 PM on 2nd March 2024.

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The ruins of Ballyvourney parish church, also known as Teampell Ghobnatan, face east and are part of the CO058-034 St. Gobnet complex. The structure consists of a nave and a chancel at the eastern end.

The entrance is located on the south side of the nave, near the southwest end, measuring 1.5 meters wide and 1.9 meters high based on on-site measurements.

According to on-site measurements, the nave’s interior measures 18.1 meters in length along the east-west axis, approximately 7.4 meters to 7.5 meters in width along the north-south axis (measured at two different positions with the entrance as a reference point). The interior of the chancel measures 8.0 meters in length along the east-west axis and 4.9 meters in width along the north-south axis. The wall passage connecting the nave and chancel has a width of 3.1 meters.

Although the church roof is no longer present, the measurement suggests a height of 7.4 meters at the probable location of the roof support.

The photo was taken from the entrance near the southwest end of the nave, looking northeast towards the east side of the nave and chancel. The time of the photo is 3:18 PM on 2nd March 2024.

5-Sze Long Lee – CO058-034009

As part of the CO058-034 St. Gobnet complex, just like CO058-034007, this structure is located at the southeastern end of the complex but relatively distant from other buildings. It is covered by trees, making it difficult to identify on a map. The structure faces south and is constructed with stones. The stone structure consists of five horseshoe-shaped steps descending and extending inwards. It also opens up to the wall of the well, with an on-site measurement of approximately 1.1 meters in length along the north-south axis from the well’s opening.

The provided photo was taken from the southeast side of the holly well, with a capture time of 4:10 PM on 2nd March 2024.

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Ciara Burns

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Carrigaphooca Castle (CO070-034)

Carrigaphooca (Carraig an Phúca – the ghost’s rock) castle is a five-storey tall rectangular tower house. The site sits atop a steep-sided rock outcrop just north of the Sullane river and was constructed in the 15th or 16th century by the MacCarthys of Drishane. The defensive nature of the tower is reflected in its location on a steep height, as well as certain visible defensive features, most notably the bartizans present on the NE and SW corners of the tower. The highly defensive aspect of the site, especially the steepness of its location, results in a particular abundance of windows to provide light. The entrance to the tower is on the N side, where there is a short lobby to the chamber on the ground floor.

Photo is of SE sides of the castle, facing NW. Photo taken 02/03/2024.

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Gort an Imill multiple stone circle (CO069-013)

This stone circle is situated in a shallow depression in boggy mountain land and consists of nine stones, with an internal quartz stone. The two portal stones are located at the NE of the circle and mark the entrance, while the axial stone is located at the SW. Note that the stones decrease in height from the portal stones to the axial stones.

Viewed from S facing N. Photo taken 02/03/2024.

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Clapper Bridge, Rahoonagh West, Co. Cork. (CO069-017)

This clapper bridge is 19m long and has recently been reconstructed. It crosses the river Douglas at an angle and consists of 11 slabs which sit atop eight rough masonry piers.

Viewed from N facing S. Photo taken 02/03/2024.

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St. Gobnait’s Church, Glebe, Co. Cork. (CO058-034007)

The ruins of this church (known as Teampall Ghobnatan) are situated near the eastern end of Ballyvourney graveyard and it is believed that this church stands on the site of St. Gobnait’s convent. The church consists of a nave with a chancel at the E end. The arch of the chancel is slightly off-centre which indicates that it was a later addition. There is a worn carving of a human head visible which is most likely a Romanesque carving from the 12th c. This head is known locally as “an gadaidhe dubh” and according to tradition, this is the head of a thief who was turned to stone after attempting to steal Gobnait’s horse.

Viewed from W facing E. Photo taken 02/03/2024.

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Holy Well, Glebe, Co. Cork. (CO058-034009)

This site is located just south of Ballyvourney graveyard and is the final station of St. Gobnait’s pilgrimage, during which water is usually taken from the well, with cups available for doing so. The drystone walling which surrounds the well is corbelled inwards and roofed by a lintel. The opening of the well is reached by descending a series of stone steps. Many votive offerings surround the well.

Viewed from S-SW facing N-NE. Photo taken 02/03/2024.

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Cillian Stamp

1 – Cillian Stamp – CO070-034

The castle/ tower house in the townland of Carrigaphooca, Clondrohid Parish, Barony of Muskerry West, Co. Cork. Located just west of Macroom and south of the N22.Picture shows the East & South faces of the monument. The lower remnants of bartizans on the N.E and S.W corners can be made out on the castle’s top floor. The levels of the nine windows on the east wall of the castle (right side of photograph) can be used to indicate the path of the internal staircase on the east side, while the seven south-facing windows indicate the five levels of the monument. 02/03/24.

2 – Cillian Stamp – CO058-034006

The former Church of Ireland Church in the townland of Glebe, Ballyvourney Parish, Barony of Muskerry West, Co. Cork. Located in the north section of the Ballyvourney ecclesiastical complex. The picture shows the embattled tower attached to the west-end of the rectangular neo-gothic church. The small protestant church is a more recent addition to the predominantly catholic site, having been constructed in 1824. 02/03/24.

3 – Cillian Stamp – CO058-034011

The “Holy Well” in the townland of Glebe, Ballyvourney Parish, Barony of Muskerry West, Co. Cork. Located in the westernmost section of the Ballyvourney ecclesiastical complex. The picture shows what was once believed to be holy well related to St. Gobnait. Excavation of the nearby hut site (CO058-034001) by M.J. Kelly concluded that this well was simply a drainage feature associated with the occupational site. Despite this, the feature is still recorded as a ritual site and treated as such by the people of the locality. 02/03/24.

4 – Cillian Stamp – CO069-017

The clapper bridge in the townland of Rahoonagh West, Ballyvourney Parish, Barony of Muskerry West, Co. Cork Located at a crossing of the River Douglas between the townlands of Rahoonagh West and Gortanacra. Picture shows the angled crossing of the stone bridge across the River Douglas from the North-West side. Bridge extends roughly 19m in length, some of this is covered by earth on the NW side of the crossing (shown in the stones in the photos foreground. 02/03/24.

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The ‘sun-stone’ in the stone circle in the townland of Gortanimill, Kilnamartery Parish, Barony of Muskerry West, Co. Cork. Picture shows the large central ‘Sun-stone’ , a piece of white quartz located roughly centrally in the multiple stone circle atop a mountain. This central stone, much like the site itself, was likely of ritual importance associated with the winter solstice. 02/03/24.

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Jude Mc Crossan

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Monument Type: Castle / Tower House

SMR: CO070-034

Viewing Direction: S facing N

Date: 2/3/2024

Carrigaphooca Castle/Tower house situated north of the river Sullane positioned on a steep rock outcrop. This was the castle of the Mac Carthys of Drishane built around the 15th century. It consists of five storeys and shows defensive features from the positioning of the building being at a height along with the battering shown as the base of the castle widens out. There is also what seems to be bartizans on the NE and SW corners of the top of the castle which could suggest a possible defensive use.

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Monument Type: Clapper Bridge

SMR: CO069-017

Viewing Direction: N facing S

Date: 2/3/2024

This clapper bridge is one of the few in the country as they are very uncommon in Ireland. They are a stepping stone structure with the function to cross a body of water, this one crossing the river douglas. It is made up of eleven slabs with some at the end and are found around Ireland but more commonly found in the west of England. These ancient stones were erected around the medieval period in most cases.

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Monument Type: Stone Circle

SMR: CO069-013

Viewing Direction: E facing W

Date: 2/3/2024

This stone circle is located on the top of a rocky hill and is part of the cork kerry stone circle complex which is related to the bronze period. The stone circle is made up of eleven stones, nine surrounding two in the middle This photo is taken from the East facing the West. You can see that there is a noticeable distance between the two stones at the front which may show that they are the portal stones where the entrance is. This is also evident in the position as it faces east and would catch the sunlight the best.

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Monument Type: Stone Circle

SMR: CO069-013

Viewing Direction: E facing W

Date: 2/3/2024

This photo is from the previous Gort An Imill Standing stones and is two quartz rocks in the middle this gives insight to a possible use for the standing stone. This use being ritualistic, possibly for the worship of the sun and moon. Quartz holds ritualistic and spiritual value in many different cultures. Many stone circles and sites in Ireland have a relation to the movement of the sun and moon. Another more famous example of this being NewGrange in county meath renown for its celestial importance.

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Monument Type: Possible Sheela-na-gig

SMR: CO058-034008

Viewing Direction: S facing N

Date: 2/3/2024

This possible sheela-na-gig is on the south facing wall of nave at Ballyvourney church immediately above the chamfer of the window. It is not a confirmed Sheela-na-gig but does have one of the key features which was the crossing of the arms and being a possible female figure.

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