Monkstown, County Cork
| Monkstown Irish: Baile an Mhanaigh | |
| County Cork | |
|---|---|
 Glen Road, Monkstown | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | W767687 |
| Location: | 51°51’1"N, 8°20’2"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 5,800 (2016) |
| Local Government | |
Monkstown is a village in County Cork, in the Barony of Kerrycurrihy, eight and a half miles south-east of Cork city on the estuary of the River Lee, facing Great Island in Cork Harbour and looking onto Monkstown Bay.
For census purposes, Monkstown is combined with the nearby town of Passage West, and the combined area has a population of approximately 5,800 residents.
History and name
The name of the village is said to derive from an early monastic site near to where Monkstown Castle now stands. Although no archaeological evidence remains for the monastery, the site of the monastery's abbey is referenced (as Legan Abbey) in 19th century maps and works, recording that "Monkstown [..] derives its name from a small establishment of Benedictine monks, called Legan abbey, belonging to the priory of St. John's".[1]
Over time, the name 'Monkstown' overtook the old name Baile an Fealach (Foley's homestead), although the latter name persists in the name of a townland of the village: Ballyfouloo.[2]
Monkstown Castle
Monkstown Castle is a fortified tower house that was constructed around 1636 by Anastasia Archdeacon, reputedly as a surprise gift for her husband John.[3][4] He had been fighting in Spanish service in the continental wars of the time.[5] As implausible legend has it that, when John Archdeacon's ship entered Monkstown bay, a cannonball was fired at the castle, as it was believed to have been built by an occupying force.[3] Anastasia Archdeacon hired workers to come to Monkstown to build the castle. She housed the workers (in accommodation built specially for them), and fed and clothed them (for a price). Once the workers had settled up their bills with her, it is said that the overall cost of the castle worked out at about four pence.
The castle was, over the centuries, owed or occupied by Cromwellian soldier Thomas Plunkett, Archbishop of Armagh Michael Boyle, and the Bernard Shaw family.[3] Later used as a club house for the nearby Monkstown Golf Club, the castle was seriously damaged by fire in the 1970s.[6] The castle has since been partially renovated and, as of 2021, on the market for sale.
References
- ↑ Lewis, Samuel 'A Topological History of Ireland' (1837)
- ↑ Monkstown Civil Parish → Ballyfouloo: Townlands.ie
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Monkstown Castle, Monkstown, County Cork". National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=CO®no=20853092.
- ↑ "Fix it up: Monkstown Castle, Co Cork". Independent News & Media. 29 September 2017. https://www.independent.ie/life/home-garden/fix-it-up-monkstown-castle-co-cork-36178852.html.
- ↑ David Dickson (2005). Old World Colony: Cork and South Munster 1630-1830. Cork University Press. p. 24. ISBN 9781859183557.
- ↑ "Historic Monkstown Castle is ripe for final restoration". Irish Examiner. 7 May 2016. https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/coverstory/watch-historic-monkstown-castle-is-ripe-for-final-restoration-398163.html.
- Baile an Mhanaigh / Monkstown: Placenames Database of Ireland
