CASTLE DONOVAN.
James I. granted the castle (then called Sowagh) to Donell O’Donovan, of Castle Donovan, Gent., and with it a large tract of country, part of which was created the manor of Castle Donovan, with 500 acres of demesne.
Donell O’Donovan died in 1639, and his son forfeited the estate in the rebellion of 1641.
Tradition states that the castle was reduced by Ireton during the Parliamentary wars.
Charles II. bestowed the lands of Castle Donovan by letters patent on Lieutenant Nathaniel Evanson in 1679.
There is a legend regarding a mysterious drip of water which apparently comes from the upper masonry of the tower, and which it is said will continue as long as there is an heir to the chieftainship of O’Donovan.
| Authorities Consulted. |
| J. Windele, “Notices of City of Cork.” |
| Parliamentary Gazetteer. |
| “Rides through the County Cork” (Dublin Penny Journal), 1828. |