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Heritage Ireland

Barryscourt Castle

A fine Irish tower house bearing the scars of battle

See details on courtesy return shuttle bus below

See all opening times

Barryscourt Castle

A fine Irish tower house bearing the scars of battle

See details on courtesy return shuttle bus below

See all opening times

All groups of 10 people or more must be pre-booked.

Access to the upper chambers of the castle is by guided tour only.

Maximum tour capacity is 13.

Getting here:

A courtesy return shuttle bus will operate between Carrigtwohill Railway Station and Barryscourt Castle for the initial opening weeks.

Thursday to Sunday:

Departures from Carrigtwohill Station: Every hour, from 10:05am to 4:05pm Return service to Carrigtwohill Station: Every hour

Monday to Wednesday:

Departures from Carrigtwohill Station: Every 2 hours, from 10:05am to 4:05pm Return service to Carrigtwohill Station: Every 2 hours

Admission

Free admission

All groups of 10 people or more must be pre-booked.

Access to the upper chambers of the castle is by guided tour only.

Maximum tour capacity is 13 people.

Getting here

Carrigtwohill
Co. Cork
T45 Y290

Get Directions

Barryscourt Castle

One of the finest example of an Irish tower-house, Barryscourt Castle was built between 1392 and 1420 during the reign of 7th Lord Barry, John Ciotach Barry. From 1420 onwards Barryscourt castle was the main seat for the next 6 Lords Barrymore. The 13th lord Barrymore, John was father to the 1st Viscount Barry John Barry who was born in 1517 and died in 1553. The second marriage of the 3rd Viscount James Barrymore to Ellen MacCartie, produced a daughter Katherine. Only male heirs were entitled to inherit. Katherine was married to Richard Power, 4th Baron le Power and Coroghmore. This ends the main bloodline of the original Barry’s. James, in 1556 settled his estates and secured inheritance of Barryscourt to be left in the main bloodline of the Barrymore’s, however this was not to be. Barryscourt in now inherited by way of murder by James Fitz Richard Barry roe, Lord of Ibawne, the minor branch of the family.

The Barrys supported the Fitzgeralds of Desmond during the Irish rebellions of the late sixteenth century. To prevent it being captured by Sir Walter Raleigh and his army, the Barrys partially destroyed the Castle.

During the Irish Confederate War of the seventeenth century Barryscourt Castle was once again successfully attacked.  Cannon balls lodged in the wall above the Castle entrance bear witness to this conflict.

Barryscourt Castle has been extensively restored. The Main Hall and Great Hall have been completed and fittings and furnishings reinstated. Within the Castle grounds, the herb and knot garden and the charming orchard have been restored to their original sixteenth century design.

For more information on the recent restoration carried out at Barryscourt Castle please see here

 

Opening Times

Daily 10:00 – 18:00

Last admission 17:15

 

Notice

Challenging access for visitors with mobility issues.

 

 

 

 

Contact

Carrigtwohill
Co. Cork
T45 Y290

046 9058400.

Getting Here

Near Carrigtwohill off the Cork-Youghal Road (N25).


A courtesy return shuttle bus will operate between Carrigtwohill Railway Station and Barryscourt Castle for the initial opening weeks.

Thursday to Sunday
Departures from Carrigtwohill Station: Every hour, from 10:05am to 4:05pm
Return service to Carrigtwohill Station: Every hour

Monday to Wednesday
Departures from Carrigtwohill Station: Every 2 hours, from 10:05am to 4:05pm
Return service to Carrigtwohill Station: Every 2 hours

Open location in Google Maps

Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions

Facilities

  • Baby Changing
  • Brochure
  • Car park
  • Coach parking
  • Exhibition
  • Guided tours
  • Wheelchair Accessible Toilet

Restrictions

  • Access by Guided Tour Only
  • Challenging Access
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times
  • Enclosed / Tight spaces
  • Hold hand rail
  • Limited Access
  • Spiral staircase
  • Steep and uneven steps

Nearby sites to visit

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