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Durrus is an Irish Village located in West
Cork, only six miles from
Bantry. It was formerly known as both Four Mile
Water (mid-19th century, after the nearby river) and
Carrigboy (Irish for Yellow Rock).
Today
there appears to be some dispute about proper form
of the village's name in Gaelic (most place names in
Ireland are anglicised forms of an Irish name) -
with both Dubh Ros (meaning black or dark
headland) and Dúrras in use on local road
signs.
The village is the location of Cool na Long
castle, built by the McCarthy (Muclagh) family, and
which is now in a ruined state, despite efforts to
have it taken into state charge by the late
antiquarian
Paddy O'Keeffe. The history of the area as
covered in
Durrus and District History The article traces
the historical development of the Durrus and
District. There are references to the changing
pattern of land ownership, and to the importance in
former times of marine resources and
mineral workings. Commentaries by travellers in
the general area are quoted to give a flavour of
what conditions were like in the period. There is a
significant amount of micro-detail for those with a
particular interest, covering, agricultural
development, communications, religious
practices, schools and aspects of the
1901 Census.
Durrus is located at the head of the
Sheep's Head and
Mizen Head Peninsulas. The present village was
laid out by the Bandon estate when the lease of the
Rev. Alleyn's Evanson's interest expired in 1854 .
Around this time a manor court for debt recovery was
held once a month, with petty sessions once a
fortnight. The former courthouse is still standing.
A number of gardens open to the public have been
established in the area, including 'Cois Abhann' and
'Kilvarock'.
In recent years the village has seen a sizable
development of property for use by tourists, and its
pubs - particularly "The Long Boat" - are popular
stopover points. |
