Mount Long Castle

Oysterhaven

About

True to the spirit of the time, Mount Long was built as a defensive castle in 1631. Though largely derelict, the large towers cornering the central block remain. Loopholes for small arms fire are clearly discenible as are machicolations at the extreme corners. It has been derelict since 1830, when it was vacated by the successors of the Long family. After the brutal Cromwellian wars, the head of that family was hanged in Cork city and the castle was awarded to a soldier. It's a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in the history of that time, but be careful as part of the castle is unstable.