“Fairyland” – applied to a townland near Carrigafooka Bridge, 3 miles west of Macroom.

Another night Leary was going to a fair in Macroom. He left the house at two o'clock in the night. He was driving cattle out before him. As he was going east from Rathmore village he looked behind him and he saw two women after him. They kept the same distance behind him all the time. They followed him on until he reached Macroom. Just outside Macroom they disappeared and he saw them no more.

Terence Mac Sweeny, better known as Terry, the Carman, was a familiar figure in Macroom about half a century ago. Although his occupation was a humble one, good Irish blood flowed through his veins.
He was a member of the MacSweeny clan, who hold Mashanaglas Castle and the late Lord Mayor Mac Sweeny was also a relative of his.
He was a very strong man and was the owner of a horse and cart. He carted goods from Cork to Macroom and from Macroom to Inchigeela Ballingeary and Bantry. He also carted wool and other merchandise from Killarney and Kilgarvan to Macroom.
One day a horse dropped dead on the road between Macroom and Inchigeela. As nobody claimed the carcase, Terry, the Carman decided to take it to the Fox-Hound Kennels at Forest where he

Macroom Castle.
Macroom is the principal township of historic mid-bank, and one which has always been identified through its people with every phase of Irish identity. Not alone is the town of Macroom rich in history, but the surrounding districs are, without exception brimful of interest not alone for the historian, but for visitors in general. Another important feature is that Macroom lies in the heart of the Irish speaking district, which can truly be described as the "Mecca" of all students of the Irish language, not alone in Ireland but in Great Britain.The famous castle.
The population of Macroom is somewhere in the neighborhood of 3,000 and its name "plain of brom or braugh", shows that it was the center of an ancient pagan worship of the deity

My father (age 50) told me this story.
The Kilmichael Ambush took place on the 28th November 1921. Two lorries of Black and tans left Macroom heading for Dunmanway but when they came to Seanacastle about half way between Macroom and Dunmanway a body of I.R.A. were waiting in ambush for them in a remote, wild and rocky place where they ambushed them. There were seventeen "Black and tans" in the two lorries. One of the lorries was blown up by a land mine. There were sixteen Black and tans killed in the Ambush and one escaped and he was captured on the road going back to Macroom by members of I.R.A. Three of the I.R.A were killed also. There was nothing known about the Ambush in Macroom or Dunmanway that night. There was terrible excitement in the locality for some time after the Ambush as it was rumoured that they were going to shoot and burn all around within a radius of ten miles from the Ambush.
When the news of the ambush reached Macroom next morning the "Black and tans" brought out sixteen coffins for the dead and shipped them to England and they were buried there. They went out after a couple of days again for reprisals and they met a man with a glass eye in a shop

In the time of the whiteboys there was a meeting in Carriganima which was held in a field near the village. The yeomen came from Macroom. They passed through Bawnatanuick. Hedges was in command and he saw a poor man, saying his rosary and he shot the man, and put his beads into his mouth and threw him across the saddle. He then took him to Macroom. After that he came to Carriganima and there he hanged another man in one of Walshs' fields which is ever called 'pairc na ?'. They then cut off their heads and put them on spikes on the bridewell in Macroom. The heads were left there so long that he hair was falling off them. It was a custom at the time to take milk into the town in cans and the hair was flying off the schulls into the milk. People complained about it and they were taken down. In the Penal times the priests said Mass in an old church which ruins can be

Long ago there lived at a cross road between Macroom and Ballingeary a tailor and his wife a spinner. The day happened to be very wet and they had a dispute as to which of them would dig the potatoes for the dinner as it was very wet. They decided which ever of them who would speak first should dig the potatoes. It happened that a journey jarvey with an officer drove to the cross road. They had to inquire for the right road to Macroom. The jarvey man asked the tailor which was the right road to Macroom and the tailor started humming and pointing to the right road but would not speak. He asked the tailor's wife and she was still at the spinning wheel she also hummed and pointed to the right road. He left the house and went back to the officer and told him he could not

This local character was the hero of An t-Athair Peadair's little comedy Tadhg Saor which was founded on fact. His name was Tadhg Ó Ríordáin with a farm in Cac an Fhóid (Cackanode townland, 4 miles north of Macroom) and a drapery in North Square, now O'Shea's drapery, Macroom. He lived about 100 years ago. He erected in Cackanode a building (a "kiln") from which he thought he could obtain a fine view of Macroom and his own establishment there. Little trace of this "folly" now exists. Tadhg fell heavily in debt. At that time there were soldiers stationed in Macroom. Tadhg knew that he was liable to be arrested for debt, so he decided on an extraordinary plan. His death was announced to the surrounding countryside.
A coffin was taken to the house at Cackanode. It was filled with stones. It was taken to Clondrohid churchyard and buried there. When a number of years had passed and the debt could no longer be claimed Tadhg again appeared in public.
After his real death the farm passed to his brother Cal (Ceallachán) who had been a soldier on foreign service. To everybody who brought Cal a porcupine he paid a shilling. Cal cooked and ate the porcupines.

O Driscott Mor, to Spain to implore additional help. Dermot another son to O Driscoll Mor, who had been sent on a similar errant after Kinsale, returned at this time, bringing 20,000 gold pieces and promises of arms and men.O'Sullivan now led 1,000 men through Muskerry, and as far as the walls of Cork City, plundering and laying waste the lands of those who would not join him. He reduced Carrignacurra and Dundareirk Castles, and forced O'Donoghue of the Glens to surrender Macroom Castle to him. While he tarried at Macroom he received news that Sir Charles Wilmot and Sir Samuel Begenal with 2,000 men, had crossed the Lee from the north, where himself had previously crossed. They halted at Carrigadrohid. O Sullivan leaving a garrison in Macroom, with his men swam across the river (Sullane?) and wading through the Laney, which was breast high, ravaged Cork County far and near, and drove off a great booty to Beare.The English meanwhile besieged Macroom, and the castle, accidentally catching fire, the garrison capitulated.About this time the sons of Tadg Mc Carthy went over to O Sullivan, but these having got from him some of the Spanish money, again deserted him, and denounced their kinsman

Cromlech : Townland of Bealick – on Ordinance Map.
Mearing Stone : Townland of Codrum, ½ mile w. Of macroom. inscription D.E.O.C. 1686 F.Fecil, showing it was erected by Donagh Earl of Clancarty in 1686. [Mentioned in Smith’s History of Cork.]
Castles : Macroom.
Carraig an Phúca.
Dun Deagh Padharc.
Magh Sean Eaglais
[and shaf?]
A few others in neighbourhood were discovered in 1935 by Sergent Aoran, O.Survey and self. He noted them accurately for insertion in Ordinance Maps.Moat : Discovered in( 1932) accidentally near Macroom Castle when workmen were digging “foundations” for new Technical School, Macroom.Mass Rock : About 3 miles W. Of Macroom, on a little island on R. Foherish, trib. of R. Sullane, trib. of R. Lee.
Near “Waterworks” which are marked on Ord. Maps.
54 54
Legend re
Macloneagh Graveyard - townland of [blank] 1½ miles S. Of Macroom, on right bank of Lee. The (dead) inhabitants are supposed to have moved head stones and all from W. side of road to E. side in one night – in disgust owing to the burial amongst them of some unpopular individual!

Some of the local fairs in this district are Macroom and Coachford. There is a fair held in Macroom on the second Monday and Tuesday of every month and there is a fair held in Coachford on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of every month.
The fair in Macroom is held in Massytown one fair-day and it is held in the square another fair day and so on every second month. When people buy animals from each other they are supposed to give each other some money as luck.
When a jobber buys the animals he marks them with a scissors and when a farmer buy them with paint or with purple pencil.
There is also a special horse fair held on that day no other animals are sold except horses. That evening usually end up with fighting, because when some of the tinkers get drunk they begin fighting.
Some years ago fairs were held in Carraigadrohid and Ballinamorrive. The Black and Tans would not allow it in Macroom. They would

the most formidable resistence in his Irish campaign. The garrison of the town was commanded by Hugh Dubh O'Neill and consisted of 1,200 men. The Franciscan Bishop of Ross, Botius McEgan, was particularly active in collecting, animating and leading on the remains of the different troops Cromwell had defeated in various engagements, but failing to raise the siege of Clonmel, O'Neill determined to resist with the energy of despair, and the full knowledge of the demon vengeance he would meet with, as also his followers if they fell into the hands of Cromwell. When Clonmel was no longer tenable O'Neill withdrew his troops under cover of darkness on the night of 9th. May, 1650. Bishop McEgan, who might well be called the soul of his party, had previously fallen back on Macroom to where Lord Broghill with 2,000 horse and 2,500 foot had been sent to attack him. No quarter was shown by Broghill, the Bishop was taken prisoner, Macroom castle set on fire and his followers slaughtered on 10th April, 1650. In fact it is said that the river ran red with blood.
A poem dedicated by Sir William Davenant to Lord Broghill and published in London in 1672, shows how they gloried in his deeds at Macroom.
"And this the foe with praises did esteem
Praising your deeds when ruinous to them
When Macroom chang'd the colour of her flood
And deeply blushed with stains of Rebels blood
When Cork's proud river did her flowing stay
And frighted gave the ebb of Macroom way
Which from the stream did pale as crystal flow

containing the retreat of St. Finbarr, the founder of Co. Cork and Patron Saint of the Diocese.An important town.
To day Macroom is an important marketing district occasioned by the fact that it lies in the heart of a big agricultural area and is really the only urban district there. On market days large crowds frequent the town, and it is interesting to hear the almost universal use of the native language. In common with other towns in Ireland, Macroom did not escape the wave of depression, but, fortunately that has now almost passed. The dominant spirit of the shopkeepers of Macroom stood them in good stead during difficult times and nnow that "better times" are in the offing their forward and enterprising nature will help them considerably in reviving some of the

Macroom a market, post and fair town in the county of Cork is one hundred and forty two miles south west of Dublin, eighteen west of Cork twenty six south by east of Killarney and forty four south east of Tralee. It is pleasantly situated on the River Sullane, one of the upper branches of the Lee and from the proximity of bog and mountain, is well supplied with turf.It has a good weekly market and some respectable dwelling houses. As it is eighteen miles from Cork and as no town of any note, in this direction is within a shorter distance, it is well situated as the centre of an extensive neighbourhood. One of the county sessions is held here to a circumstance of some advantage to the place and of great convenience to this part of the county,The surrounding country is for the most part interesting, and abounds with the seats of highly respectable and opulent gentry. Macroom is the joint property of the Earl of Bandon, and Robert Hedges Eyre the latter of whom resides at the castle of Macroom which he has lately repaired and furnished in a style of elegance and taste. This venerable and stately building, the front of which is entirely covered with ivy is said to

The fairs held in the nearest towns and villages to my district are "Macroom, Coachford, Donoughmore and Millstreet. The latter is held on the first day, in every month, except that day falls on a Saturday or Sunday. If so, the fair is held on one of the other five days.The fair of Macroom is held on the second in each month. Cattle and pigs are sold at this fair. It is held alternately in the square of Macroom, and in the fair field. Before entering the fair, people have to pay so much a head for their cattle, which is commonly called custom. When a person is selling an animal, the buyer takes the seller's hand and says. "It is a bargain". When the seller has consented to give the animal the new owner marks it, and takes it by train to his own home. Donoughmore fair is held on the second last Tuesday and Coachford on the last Tuesday of each month.

Patrick Desmond, Charlesfield, Lyre, Banteer, locally called "Doctor Desmond", was a famous match-maker.
Miss Kate Walsh of Blackrock, Kilcorney, Banteer, was one day at her home, when a tramp called. She had a big fortune, but local young men did not wish to marry her. The tramp told her that he knew of a suitable place near Macroom, and that she'd hear from him again. She rewarded the tramp, and sure enough in less than a week, she received a letter from Macroom, asking her to receive this intended partner at her home. She replied, and the young man came along. The match was made, and they married. She now resides at Macroom, Co. Cork. and thanks the tramp for her good fortune.

Some years ago there was a young man in this parish on the run from the English. There was a price giving for his head at Macroom Castle to anyone that would get the head of the boy. One night the boy went to a friend's house to sleep for the night. The friend told him that he had no room for him inside and to go out in the hay shed. The boy did as he was told. Some time out in night the man went out and cut the head off the boy with a hay-knife.On his way to Macroom Castle on the following day he washed the head in a well as he was passing. This well was afterwards called Tobairin Dearg because the signs of the blood could not be removed from it. It was then closed up but people know where the place is yet.On his way over the Bridge of Macroom he met the man's father and he told him that he had got his son's pardon. Then the man threw the head in over with Bridge with anger. When the father had left the friend he went into the river and brought home his son's head for burial.The tobairin dearg is said to be within a short distance of Church Cross and is near the road to Macroom. It is not easy to get particulars of this story and similar ones, as it is not too very long since it happened and comparatively near relatives are numerous

Holy wells in District
(1). Tobar Beireairt: In townland of Sleaveen East parish of Macroom . Pilrimage still on Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Made for general purpose.
(2). Tobar Ban, in townland of Mashanaglass 2 miles east of town of Macroom. Pilgrimage still survives on same days as Tobar Beireairt. Principally used by married women, weak children are dipped there. If they come out red, they will live, if pale their span of life is short.
(3). Well name not knownand Bullan stone in connectin with it. in Cill townland 1 1/2 miles N.E of Macroom. Pilgrimage not extinct. "Rounds" for swellings and rheumatism" have been paid within the past 20 years. Not on map will be in next edition of O.S map as O.S people have been informed and I have personally shown position.
Fuller particulars of those three wells forwarded to Sec. Nat Education Dublin in a/c with holy well circular.
---------------------------------------------About 3 mile sN. of Macroom is Tobar Dearg. Rounds paid : Good Friday, Easter Sunday usual devotions, Saint unknown

The following is related by me - as given by people who were well acquainted with the circumstances one of these was Batt Cullinane - a mason of Maseytown, Macroom. He was over 90 when he died and is now dead nearly 30 years.
He was a noted scéalaide and recited at the earliest Feiseanna.
Malachy Duggan lived at Carrigthomas about six miles to the north of Macroom.
He turned informer, and gave information to the authorities which resulted in the execution of the three men already mentioned. He planned the murder of the Colonel and actually accompanied them. Colonel Hutchinson was a very popular man in the district and owed his popularity and rank to the Volunteers. It appears that private spite was the cause of the crime, and further-more that Malachy Duggan was the principal concerned.
When Malachy left his home on his way to Macroom he was on horseback and carried a twig in his hand. He was so engrossed in the planning of the information, that when he arrived in Macroom, he had only about an inch or two of the twig in his palm. He had chewed the remainder.
He was lucky enough to die in his

A 2nd version Some authors maintain that Kilmeedy Castle was erected for the purpose of defending the 'Céim' i.e. Céim na Carraige - a pass about 1/2 a mile from Kilmeedy Castle on the road to Macroom.
This pass was supposed to have been traversed by O'Sullivan Bere after he and his followers had spent a night in Ballyvourney. This pass or path comes over the mountains from Ballyvourney and meets the Macroom Road at the Céim.
[hand-drawn sketch map]
This Macroom road continues west into Kerry.