Macroom Castle among Cork town's buildings to be illuminated

A specialist consultant is to be hired to devise a plan to illuminate some of the key buildings in Macroom.

The move comes after major restoration work on its iconic castle, which has just been completed.

Fianna Fáil councillor Gobnait Moynihan asked officials attending a meeting of Macroom Municipal District Council for better lighting to be installed so the magnificent renovation project could be highlighted.

Municipal district officer Marie O’Leary said the council is liaising with the lead architect on the castle project and intends to get a specialist consultant to look, not just at lighting for there, but also for other iconic buildings around the town which would include the Briery Gap theatre and the town hall.

It’s not clear when the castle was actually constructed, but the fortification, built on the banks of the River Sullane, was once the residence of the McCarthy ‘Lords of Muskerry’ from around 1353.

It was destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout various wars.

Ms O’Leary said the project was part funded by The Heritage Council, Macroom Castle Demesne Trustees and Cork County Council.

She said that the trustees were very eager to conserve this historic structure for the people of Macroom.

“The project involved sensitive restoration and repointing of the Castle Gate Lodge façade and repairs to slate roofing. Conservation works were carried out to a very high standard by Triur Construction.

"The restored Castle Gate Lodge now represents a significant heritage asset for Macroom and is expected to attract substantial visitor interest. This project is one that will stand the test of time and is a great project to see completed for the town,” Ms O’Leary said.

Fianna Fail councillor Gobnait Moynihan said she was very impressed with the work and the area is now safe as some stones and slates had been falling off the structure.

She asked about lighting it properly and was informed of the plan to employ the lighting expert.

Chairman of the municipal district Fianna Fail councillor Michael Looney said it's the standout focal point in the town.

Fine Gael councillors Ted Lucey and Kate Lynch also praised the work on the castle as did Independent councillor Martin Coughlan who said: “We won’t have to worry about it for the next 100 years.” 

Ms O’Leary said Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne will come to the town to perform an official unveiling of the castle project at a date yet to be finalised.