Castlefreke

27 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Castlefreke, from 33 m² to 347,589 m² (34.76 ha, 85.89 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary. 27 neighbouring parcels touch it.

Download the townland as DXF, in Irish Transverse Mercator metres, with its boundary, parcels and buildings, or as GeoJSON or KML.

No zone of a development plan covers Castlefreke in the national zoning. Outside zoned towns and villages, the county development plan's rural policies apply to each application.

Source: Tailte Éireann and the Department of Housing (MyPlan), national zoning, CC BY 4.0.

• 17 Feb 2020Conditional

  Permission for the demolition of the former hotel and the construction of 9 no. dwellings, realignment and widening of the Coast Road (R598) and all associated landscaping, car parking and site development works

  Permission · Cork County Council, 20/79

• 30 Jun 2006Withdrawn

  Renovations of, alterations and extensions to dwelling

  Permission · Cork County Council, 06/1239

• 17 May 2006Incompleted application

  Renovation of and alterations and extensions to dwelling

  Permission · Cork County Council, 06/891

• 10 Oct 2003Conditional

  Dwellinghouse

  Permission · Cork County Council, 03/5079

• 23 Dec 2002Conditional

  First floor extension to dwellinghouse

  Permission · Cork County Council, 02/5918

• 25 Feb 2002New application

  Residential development - 40 no. dwellinghouses, garages sewage treatment plant and associated site works

  Permission · Cork County Council, 02/776

• 1 Dec 2000Conditional

  Dwellinghouse

  Permission · Cork County Council, 00/7256

• 12 Oct 2000Conditional

  Retention & completion of 2 no. outbuildings for use as fuel store & lock-up for light machinery

  Permission · Cork County Council, 00/6150

• 14 Mar 2000Refused

  9 no. dwellings

  Permission · Cork County Council, 00/1398

• 7 May 1998New application

  Dwellinghouse

  Permission · Cork County Council, 98/1868

Source: National Planning Applications, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0. Applicants are not shown.

Designated sites

• Special Area of Conservation: Kilkeran Lake and Castlefreke Dunes SAC 001061
• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Kilkeran Lake And Castlefreke Dunes 001061

Recorded monuments

• CO143-071001 Country house
  Description

  Imposing ruin of Castlefreke house overlooking Rosscarbery bay; built in late 18th century by Sir John Evans Freke to replace his earlier residence at Rathbarry Castle (CO143-074002-). Originally a classical structure of 2-storey over basement, 8-bay with 6-bay breakfront. Richard Morisson transformed house in 1820s by adding castellations, bartizans, castellated towers, gateway and portcullis (Bence-Jones 1978, 68). Many estate features survive including walled garden to NE; octagonal tower in woods to NW; farmyard to S incorporating Rathbarry Castle; Church of Ireland to E built adjacent ot Rathbarry church (CO143-076003-). Demesne enclosed by estate wall, with lodges and entrances piers. Imitation high cross on high ground to S; erected in 1901 in memory of the 9th Baron of Carbery who died 1898. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

• CO143-071002 Souterrain
  Description

  Found c. 1799 during levelling of ground on hillside. (McCarthy 1977, 340). No visible surface trace. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

• CO143-072 Enclosure
  Description

  In level woodland between Castlefreke to N and Rathbarry Church to S. Circular area (diam. c. 30m) defined by earthen bank (H 1.7m); heavily overgrown with bamboo bushes reeds. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

• CO143-073 Cross
  Description

  The Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI) is in the process of providing information on all monuments on The Historic Environment Viewer (HEV). Currently the information for this record has not been uploaded. To access available information for research purposes please make an appointment in advance with the Archive Unit (open Fridays 10.00 am – 5.00 pm), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, The Custom House, Dublin 1 D01W6XO or email NMarchive@housing.gov.ie.

• CO143-074001 Building
  Description

  The Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI) is in the process of providing information on all monuments on The Historic Environment Viewer (HEV). Currently the information for this record has not been uploaded. To access available information for research purposes please make an appointment in advance with the Archive Unit (open Fridays 10.00 am – 5.00 pm), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, The Custom House, Dublin 1 D01W6XO or email NMarchive@housing.gov.ie.

• CO143-074002 Castle - tower house
  Description

  Overlooking Rahavarrig Lough and Long Strand to S and stream to W; land sloping down gently to N and E. According to Gillman (1897, 7) built by Randal Oge Barry in 15th century but by 1642 in possession of Arthur Freke when subjected to prolongued and unsuccessful siege by Irish forces (Gillman 1897, 1-20). Site now occupied by 19th century farm buildings of Castlefreke estate. Little of earlier defences survive: at SE corner of coachyard rounded arch (axis E-W) covering rectangular area (7.3m x 4.1m), springs from two noticably thick walls (Wth 1.2m) though now much altered and rebuilt. To S and W site skirted by tall revetment wall built against rock face. Projecting from this to south is semi-hexagonal bastion with blocked-up semicircular arched opes which appear to have been for cannon (Gillman 1897, 5); bastion now filled-in and top level with ground inside. Farmyard now being converted into folk park. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

• CO143-074003 Bawn
  Description

  Overlooking Rahavarrig Lough and Long Strand to S and stream to W; land sloping down gently to N and E. According to Gillman (1897, 7) built by Randal Oge Barry in 15th century but by 1642 in possession of Arthur Freke when subjected to prolongued and unsuccessful siege by Irish forces (Gillman 1897, 1-20). Site now occupied by 19th century farm buildings of Castlefreke estate. Little of earlier defences survive: at SE corner of coachyard rounded arch (axis E-W) covering rectangular area (7.3m x 4.1m), springs from two noticably thick walls (Wth 1.2m) though now much altered and rebuilt. To S and W site skirted by tall revetment wall built against rock face. Projecting from this to south is semi-hexagonal bastion with blocked-up semicircular arched opes which appear to have been for cannon (Gillman 1897, 5); bastion now filled-in and top level with ground inside. Farmyard now being converted into folk park. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

• CO143-075 Barrow - ring-barrow
  Description

  On rocky ground to NE of Rathbarry Castle (CO143-074002-). Central mound (diam. c. 8m; H 0.6m) surrounded by fosse (D 0.2m) with external bank (H 0.6m) from SW->SE. Much disturbance from SE->SW. Gap in bank at ESE. Identified as remains of circular tower associated with Rathbarry Castle by Gillman (1895, 5) but this is very unlikely. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

• CO143-076001 Graveyard
  Description

  On gentle W-facing slope, overlooking Long Strand to S, within Castlefreke demesne. Roughly rectangular yard enclosed by stone wall; contains ruins of Rathbarry parish church (CO143-076002-) and to N ruins of C of I parish church (CO143-076002-). This latter church built in 1825 (Lewis Vol. 2 1837, 488-9); it is now roofless though walls stand to full height; rectangular in plan (long axis NE-SW) with shallow chancel projection to NE, pinnacled tower at W corned and entrance porch at S corner; it was closed in 1927. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

• CO143-076002 Church
  Description

  In the N half of a graveyard (CO143-076001-). A C of I church built in 1825 (Lewis 1837 vol. 2, 488-9); it is now roofless though walls stand to full height; rectangular in plan (long axis NE-SW) with shallow chancel projection to NE, pinnacled tower at W corned and entrance porch at S corner; it was closed in 1927. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

• CO143-076003 Church
  Description

  In graveyard (CO143-076001-) poorly preserved ruins of Rathbarry parish church. Rectangular structure (c. 17.5m E-W; c. 7.5m N-S) missing E and W walls; surviving portions of N and S walls show signs of alterations and rebuilding (Webster 1932, 276). Doorway at W end N wall- surrounds gone. Single window opes in N and S walls now missing light surrounds but Webster (1932, 276) has drawing of both: square-headed light in N wall and pointed light in S wall; Webster also has drawing of trefoil-headed piscina which does not appear to survive. Tomb of Ralph Freke, who died 1717, overlies E end of S wall. Six corbels, in two rows, project from outside of S wall. Church in repair in 1615 (Brady Vol 2 1863, 539) but in ruins by 1693 (Webster 1932, 276). The above entry is incorrect as it appears in the West Cork Inventory. The following is a corrected version: In graveyard (3198). Ruins of rectangular church (99ft 7in x 23ft) (Webster 1932, 276). Segmental arched doorway at W end of S wall, surrounds gone. Window opes in N and S walls, E end; square-headed light in N wall and pointed light in S wall, both with external rebates. Wide arched niche in W end of N wall, wall press at E end. Pointed trefoil-headed piscina in S wall, E end. Pointed E window embrasure with plank centering, triple-pointed light with external hood moulding. W wall inserted with wide collapsed central ope; two lintelled slit windows at N and S end. Interior contains numerous headstones including tomb of Ralph Freke who died in 1717. Church in repair in 1615 (Brady 1863, vol. 2, 539) but in ruins by 1693 (Webster ibid.). See Excavations 2002, 65, no. 257 and Excavations 2003, 44. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Architectural heritage

• Gate lodge, 1810–1850 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached T-plan two-bay two-storey former gate lodge, built c.1830, now in use as house. Canted bay window set within integral segmental-headed arch to front (south). Lean-to side entry porch to front (south). Pitched slate roofs with overhanging timber clad eaves, rubble stone chimneystacks, timber bargeboards and cast-iron rainwater goods. Rubble limestone walls. Square-headed window openings with limestone sills, lintels and replacement timber casement windows. Chamfered ashlar limestone surrounds to front elevation window openings. Square-headed door opening to front elevation having timber panelled door with overlight. Wrought-iron gate to porch. Rubble stone enclosing walls to side (west) and front having square-profile gate piers with recent timber gates.

• Castle Freke, country house, 1770–1790 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached multiple-bay two-storey castle, built c.1780, having break front to front (south-east) elevation, four-stage tower to western corner and bartizan to south corner on stone corbels. Crenellated stone parapets on stone corbels, having roughly coursed sandstone chimneys. Roughly coursed sandstone walls with string course to tower and parapets and limestone quoins. Camber-headed window openings with stone sills and sandstone voussoirs, set within recessed round-headed niches to side (south-west) elevation having sandstone voussoirs and keystones. Square-headed window openings to tower with chamfered stone sills. Various associated buildings to front including round and octagonal-profile towers with parapets having decorative scalloped coping surmounting stone corbels and coursed stone circular-plan chimneystacks. Coursed limestone walls with cruciform loops. Three-stage octagonal tower attached to single-bay two-storey ruin. Crenellated parapet on stone corbels to tower and coursed stone chimneystack to ruin. Roughly coursed stone walls with string course to tower. Square-headed window openings with stone sills and moulded stone label mouldings to ruin. Located within own expansive grounds.

• Rathbarry Church, church/chapel, 1820–1830 · Regional interest
  Description

  Freestanding Church of Ireland church, built 1825, comprising square-plan single-bay three-stage tower with double-height nave attached to south-west, having attached gabled entrance porch. Roofs now missing. Crenellations and pinnacles to tower. Rubble and dressed limestone walls, having ashlar limestone buttresses and with string courses between tower stages. Square-headed openings to upper levels to tower, pointed arch openings to ground floor. Paired lancets to nave, set in tripartite arrangements to chancel. Remains of mosaic to chancel. Mausoleum to south-east, comprising gable-fronted single-bay double-height building with Tudor arch. Roughly dressed stone walls with ashlar dressings to blind openings. Ashlar limestone to roof. Cast-iron door. Graveyard and ruins of earlier church to south.

• Gate lodge, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached double-pile two-bay single-storey gate lodge, built c.1820, having pitched roof porch to front (east). Later extension to rear and canted end bay to side (north). Gables to side (south) incorporated into demesne wall. Pitched and hipped slate roofs having rubble stone chimneystacks and stone gable copings to side (south) along demesne wall. Timber bargeboards to porch. Rendered walls with rubble stone walls to rear extension. Rubble stone buttresses to side (south, north) elevations of porch. Dressed limestone walls to canted bay window. Square-headed window openings with stone sills, openings now blocked. Limestone voussoirs to canted bay window openings. Square-headed door opening to porch, now blocked, having limestone lintel. Rubble stone demesne walls to south with rendered gate piers, having rubble stone ball finials and wrought-iron gates. Set at entrance to Rathbarry Castle.

• Castle Freke Lodge, gate lodge, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached T-plan two-bay two-storey with dormer attic former gate lodge, built c.1820, now in use as house. Canted bay window and lean-to veranda supported by columns to front (east). Hipped roofed box-bay window to side (south). Pitched roofed dormer oriel to side (north). Dressed rubble limestone chimneystacks with breakfront chimney breast. Later lean-to extension to rear connecting lodge to outbuilding. Pitched slate roofs having uPVC rainwater goods. Recent pitched roof dormer window and timber bargeboards to front. Rubble stone walls with dressed limestone quoins. Dressed limestone wall to oriel, having machicolations on tooled limestone corbels. Square-headed window openings with chamfered limestone sills, surrounds and lintels. uPVC casement windows. Oversailing dressed limestone voussoirs to front and side (south) elevations having tooled limestone hood moulding to side elevation. Pointed arches to box bay lintel, accompanying mullions absent. Pointed arch door opening with chamfered ashlar limestone surround to front elevation, having double-leaf timber panelled doors. Attached rubble stone single-storey pitched roofed outbuilding to rear. Rubble stone enclosing wall to front and side (south) having wrought-iron gates. Set within own grounds along roadside.

Designated sites: National Parks and Wildlife Service. Recorded monuments: Sites and Monuments Record, National Monuments Service. Buildings: National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0. Works at or in relation to a recorded monument need two months' written notice to the National Monuments Service (National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994, section 12).

Radon

At the centre of the townland of Castlefreke, about 1 in 10 homes in this area is likely to have high radon levels. Testing a home

Landslides

The 1:50,000 map rates the landslide susceptibility here as moderately high, moderately low, low, partly inferred.

Terrain model

The Geological Survey did not answer.

Flooding

The Office of Public Works publishes its flood maps on floodinfo.ie.

Radon Risk Map of Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency, and Landslide Susceptibility Classification, Geological Survey Ireland, both under CC BY 4.0. LiDAR: contains Irish Public Sector Data (Geological Survey Ireland & the Office of Public Works) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence.

No address of the register names Castlefreke with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Cork.

Name

Castlefreke · Ráth an Bharraigh

Area

1,533,027 m² (153.3 ha, 378.82 acres)

Civil parish

Rathbarry, and its townlands

Barony

Ibane and Barryroe

Electoral division

Rathbarry, the unit of the census

Census 2022

569 people lived in 220 households in the Rathbarry electoral division. 81% of households owned their home. 25% of homes were built since 2001. 11% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 23% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Carrigfadeen, Castlefreke-Island, Castlefreke-Warren, Gortagrenane, Little-Island, Maulatrahane, Milltown

Placenames

Castlefreke on logainm.ie, the Placenames Database of Ireland

Townlands, civil parishes, baronies and electoral divisions, National Statutory Boundaries, Tailte Éireann, CC BY 4.0. Census 2022, Small Area Population Statistics by electoral division, Central Statistics Office, CC BY 4.0. A townland is the smallest land division of Ireland, and the unit of a rural address. Old registers such as the 1901 and 1911 censuses file it under its civil parish and barony.