FOATY, OR FOTA, ISLAND

FOATY, or FOTA, ISLAND, partly in the parish of CARRIGTOHILL, and partly in that of CLONMELL, barony of BARRYMORE, county of CORK, and province of MUNSTER, 6 miles (N.) from Cove, in the harbour of Cork; containing 188 inhabitants. This island, which comprises 750 statute acres, solely the demesne of the Barry family, has been connected on the north side with Carrigtohill by a handsome bridge and causeway, whence a fine line of road from Cork to Cove passes along its south-eastern side to Belvelly, where by another lofty bridge it enters the Great Island, close under the ruins of the old castle and martello tower. Near the termination of the northern bridge is an elegant entrance lodge to Foaty, the seat of the late J. Smith Barry, Esq., and near Belvelly is another lodge of similar design. The mansion is spacious and beautifully situated in the midst of thriving plantations; and the demesne extends on every side close to the shores of the harbour, of which it commands a fine view and also of the richly varied scenery of the river Lee. Not far from the house, on the shore of a picturesque bay, is a small castle of elegant design; and on the opposite shore is the castle of Blackrock, with the interesting and beautiful scenery around. Near the south-east termination of the demesne are some very neat cottages, occupied by the numerous workmen employed on the estate; and a male and female school, with residences for the master and mistress, built and wholly supported by Mr. and Mrs. Smith Barry.

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