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Location
Doneraile, County Cork, Ireland
Description
The ruins of Castle Pook stands five acres on a rocky outcrop near Doneraile at the foot of the Ballyhouras.
The castle is ruined tower. Remains of the defensive wall form a ridge around what would have been the castle courtyard. Parts of a dry moat is visible. There is evidence of the site having been defended since prehistoric times, with traces of a ring for and ancient ramparts having been found on the site.
Facilities
The castle is on private land.
History
Castle Pook was built around 1380 by the Norman, Geoffrey Synan (Geoffrey the Red). It was extended or rebuilt around 1500. The castle was forfeited by the Synans in 1639, and taken over by the St Leger family. The castle is privately owned and there are plans to restore the castle.
Legends
The poet Edmund Spenser lived near the castle and the legends of the castle may have inspired the name Pook in his poem, the Epithalamium. It is believed that the name Puck which Shakespeare used for Robin Goodfellow in A Midsummer Night's Dream may in turn have been inspired by Spenser's Pook.
Other Castles in the Area
Ballybeg Castle, County Cork
Ballyclogh Castle, County Cork
Ballyhooly Castle, County Cork
Ballynamona Castle, County Cork
Castle Barrett, County Cork
Castle Lyons, County Cork
Dromaneen Castle, County Cork
Dunmahon Castle, County Cork
Fantstown Castle, County Limerick
Kanturk Castle, County Cork
Kilbolane Castle, County Cork
King Johns Castle, Kilmallock, County Limerick
Liscarroll Castle, County Cork
Lisgriffin Castle, County Cork
Lohort Castle, County Cork
Mallow Castle, County Cork
Wallstown Castle, County Cork
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