Kilcrea Castle and Friary, Co. Cork
The castle of Kilcrea lies in a field to the west of and across a narrow
road and bridge from the impressive ruins at Kilcrea Friary (which is
sign-posted to the left of the Cork to Macroom Road). Both were built by
Cormac L�idir MacCarthy, who also built Blarney and Carrignamuck castles,
and whose likeness is said to be depicted by a head in the upper part of the
castle.
Cormac, highly regarded as a patron of the church and building, is
said to have completed the Abbey in 1465, and the castle probably a little
earlier. The ruins of the latter are also very impressive, although not as
well preserved or cared for as the abbey, which he built for the
Franciscans.
Cormac was murdered in Carrignamuck Castle by his brother Owen
and the
latter's sons in 1494 and is buried in the abbey in the place normally
reserved for the founder of such an establishment - close to the high altar,
and, in this case in the north-east corner. The tomb was reserved for the
chieftain of the MacCarthy clan. Cormac's son (Cormac �g), who avenged his
death in 1497, also lies there since 1536. He defeated the forces of the Earl
of Desmond in the celebrated battle of
Mourne Abbey. His grandson Teige 1565 and great-grandson Dermot 1570 also
lie in the tomb. Dermots son, the famous silver tongued Cormac of Blarney
was the last chieftain to be buried there in 1616.
The castle is almost
encircled by trees and a thicket of shrubs but is mostly in good condition. It
consists of two towers with a joining wall
enclosing a form of court between them. The main tower, to the west is in
good condition, and the stairs are usable, although there is a bar on the
lower stairs to prevent cows climbing. The tower is about 70 ft in height (the
battlements
have been removed) and at ground level measures 49 by 36 ft. Walls are 5 ft.
in thickness.