CASTLEHAVEN

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

"CASTLEHAVEN, a parish in the E. division of the barony of West Carbery, in the county of Cork, province of Munster, Ireland, 4 miles to the S.E. of Skibbereen. It is situated in a picturesque district on Castlehaven bay, or harbour, and was the site of a castle belonging to O'Driscoll, which was given up by him to the Spaniards, on their effecting a landing here in 1601. Some traces of the walls are yet to be seen. Off the coast are several small islands, and the rocks called the "Stags." The ancient name of this parish was Glanbarrahane. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Cork, Ross, and Cloyne, value £531, in the patronage of the crown and the bishop alternately. The church, built about 1827, is a handsome structure of freestone, with a good tower. There are a large chapel for Roman Catholics, and parochial and other schools. Castle Townshend, Point House, Drishane, &c., are the chief residences. The title of Earl of Castlehaven was held by the Touchet family."

"CASTLETOWNSEND, a village in the parish of Castlehaven, barony of Carbery West, in the county of Cork, province of Munster, Ireland, 5 miles to the S.E. of Skibbereen. It is pleasantly seated on the margin of Castlehaven harbour, and is visited as a watering-place. In the village are coastguard and police stations. It is a sub-port to Baltimore, and has a small custom-house. Castletownsend House, the seat of the Townsends, was attacked and taken in 1690 by the Irish under O'Driscoll, who, however, did not hold it long. Castlehaven church stands near this village."

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