Raheen Castle, Raheen By.), Co. Cork
On the eastern shore of Castle Haven estuary stands the imposing remains of Raheen Castle, a late 16th or early 17th century tower house built by the O'Donovan clan.
Raheen Castle, Raheen By.), Co. Cork
This four-storey rectangular tower, measuring 9.3 metres north to south and 9.6 metres east to west, rises from a rocky outcrop despite significant battle damage. The eastern wall and portions of the adjoining walls have collapsed, leaving heaps of rubble that obscure much of the ground floor, though the remaining structure still reaches its original height. The castle bears the scars of a Cromwellian attack in 1649, with cannon ball impacts clearly visible on the upper western wall and traces of burning inside; evidence of the violent siege that partially brought down this formidable stronghold.
The tower’s defensive features reveal sophisticated military architecture typical of its era. The second-floor window on the west wall showcases an intriguing modification: originally a standard window opening, it was later blocked up and fitted with a lintelled door, which was subsequently blocked as well. This window featured a square-headed light flanked by circular gun loops, allowing defenders to fire upon attackers whilst remaining protected. Gable-shaped recesses on the south, west and north elevations include openings at their apex for shooting through, similar to features found at nearby Glandore Castle. A bartizan, supported by three corbels, crowns the southwest corner, providing an additional vantage point for defence.
Despite centuries of weathering and warfare, the castle’s internal layout remains partially readable. The first floor was accessed through a door at the southern end of the now-fallen eastern wall, whilst mural chambers built into the north and south walls at second-floor level likely contained garderobes. A pointed barrel vault with east-west orientation once spanned the second floor, though its eastern end has since broken away. Window openings punctuate each level, many now badly damaged, whilst a mural passage on the first floor’s south wall probably led to another garderobe, though this too has suffered significant deterioration over time.