Barryscourt Castle

About the museum

Barryscourt Castle was built between 1392 and 1420, in the time of John Ciotach Barry, seventh Lord Barry, and was the main seat of the Barrys, later Lords Barrymore, for generations. It is regarded as one of the finest examples of an Irish tower house, and its main hall and great hall have been completed and refurnished.

The Barrys supported the Fitzgeralds of Desmond in the Irish rebellions of the late sixteenth century and, to keep the castle from being captured by Sir Walter Raleigh and his army, partly destroyed it. During the Irish Confederate War of the seventeenth century it was attacked again, and cannon balls still lodged in the wall above the entrance recall that conflict.

The Office of Public Works has carried out an extensive restoration. The main hall and great hall have been completed and furnished, and the herb and knot garden and the orchard in the grounds have been restored to their sixteenth-century design. The upper chambers can be visited only on a guided tour, with a maximum of 13 people.

Highlights

• Late medieval tower house of the Barry family
• Restored and furnished main hall and great hall
• Cannon balls from the seventeenth century in the entrance wall
• Restored herb and knot garden and orchard
• Exhibition and guided tours of the upper chambers

Permanent exhibition

• Barryscourt Castle exhibition and restored halls – A guided visit through the restored and furnished main hall and great hall, with an exhibition.

Operated by

Office of Public Works (Heritage Ireland)

Admission & discounts

Prices are for guided tours. Unguided visits to the gardens and outside area are free. The site is part of the Heritage Ireland network run by the Office of Public Works.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site lists challenging access for visitors with mobility issues: the upper chambers can only be reached by spiral stairs and steep, uneven steps, and some spaces are enclosed or tight. A wheelchair-accessible toilet is available.

Kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

A baby-changing facility is listed. Children must stay with an adult because of the spiral stairs and tight spaces.

Getting there & parking

The castle is near Carrigtwohill, off the Cork–Youghal road (N25).

Amenities & dining

• Café

A horse-box style stall serves tea, coffee and treats at weekends only.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit