Seat of the powerful Barry family from the 12th century, the castle was deliberately damaged by its own occupants in 1581 to prevent English capture during the Desmond Rebellions, then repaired with new bawn defences. Cannonball impact marks from the 1645 Irish Confederate War are still visible on its walls, and the interior is furnished as it would have appeared in the 16th century.
Visiting Barryscourt Castle
Yes — OPW managed, daily guided tours, free of charge.
Where to stay nearby
The closest castle hotel is Castlemartyr Resort, 14.43 km away in Castlemartyr — The original Castlemartyr castle was built in 1210 by the Knights Templar and later owned by Sir Walter Raleigh and Richard Boyle, 1st Earl of Cork; a 17th-century manor house was built by the Boyle family adjacent to the castle ruin, and that manor is the resort's hotel building.
Castlemartyr Resort
Castlemartyr, Co. Cork · 5-star / luxury
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