Barryscourt Castle
A fine Irish tower house bearing the scars of battle
See details on courtesy return shuttle bus below
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.
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
Gallery
Opening Times
Daily 10:00 – 18:00
Last admission 17:15
Notice
Challenging access for visitors with mobility issues.
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
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
Barryscourt Castle
Fota Arboretum and Gardens
Explore an island oasis of rare and exotic flora
Approx. 3.5 km from Barryscourt Castle
Charles Fort Military Fortress
A star-shaped military fortress that has stood firm for centuries
Approx. 28.4 km from Barryscourt Castle
Desmond Castle Kinsale
A building at the core of Kinsale’s history
Approx. 28.5 km from Barryscourt Castle