Map Reference: W625409 (1625, 0409) Earthworks and trenches
across the narrow neck of the Old Head of Kinsale may be part of
the defences of a pre-Christian promontory fort. A medieval wall
with two mural towers follows closely the line of one of the
trenches. In the middle of this is a tower-house. It is a three-
storey building which stands to full height except at the east
which does not survive above the first floor. There are gaps in
the east and west walls and the ground floor is accessible.
There are no stairs available to first floor level but a spiral
stair in the south-east corner rises from first floor to the
wall walk. Doorway at first floor leading to the spiral stairs
There is a wicker-centred pointed vault over the first floor.
This stops short of the east wall and the gap was probably
covered by lintels. The castle may have been built by the de
Courcey family in the 15th century. View of the spiral stairway
from outside the castle Return to County Cork List Return to
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