CASTLETOWNROCHE

In 1868, the parish of Castletownroche contained the following places:

"CASTLETOWNROCHE, a parish in the barony of Fermoy, in the county of Cork, province of Munster, Ireland, 20 miles to the N. of Cork, and 150 miles to the S.W. of Dublin. It is 2 miles from a station on the Fermoy branch of the Great Southern and Western railway. The parish is situated in a fertile, cultivated, and beautiful country, on the banks of the river Awbeg, a tributary of the Blackwater, and is the site of a castle, founded by the Roches, lords of Fermoy. Sir Walter Raleigh in 1580 took Lord and Lady Roche prisoners on a charge of treason, and brought them to Cork from this castle, having surprised the garrison, who did not expect his approach. In 1650 Cromwell's troops, under Lord Broghill, besieged it. The castle was defended by Lady Roche, in the absence of her husband, and after a-short resistance surrendered. The old keep is still standing. The town contains a police station, and a dispensary. The Awbeg, or " gentle Mulla," of Spencer, is crossed by a bridge of five arches, half of which is very ancient. Here are some large flour-mills. This town had the grant of a market from George II., but the privilege is disused. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Cloyne, value £389, in the patronage of the bishop. The church was built in 1825, and stands on a hill by the Awbeg. It is a handsome edifice, with a tower and beautiful spire. There is a Roman Catholic chapel. The village schoolmaster of this place had the honour of instructing Edmund Burke for five years, previous to his removal to Dublin. His family now resides at Ballyduff. Castle Widenham, a noble mansion with which is incorporated the keep of the old castle of the Roches, occupies the summit of a rocky and wooded hill by the river, and commands fine views over the picturesque surrounding country. Part of the old walls still remain. Other seats are Annsgrove, the residence of Richard Grove Annesley, and Glenanore. Under the castle hill is a holy well, dedicated to St. Patrick."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868]
by Colin Hinson ©2018