Location: Cork-Youghal Road (N25), Carrigtwohill Map
Constructed: 16th century
Official site
Tel. +353 21 488 2218
Open: 26th May - 28th September: Daily 10am - 6pm
Last admission 45 min before closing
Admission Fee: Free
Barryscourt Castle, located near Carrigtwohill in County Cork, Ireland, is one of the finest examples of a late medieval Irish tower house, built by the powerful Anglo-Norman de Barry family between 1392 and 1420. Situated just off the N25 Cork-Waterford road, approximately 16 km east of Cork City, this well-preserved castle served as the principal seat of the Barrymore branch of the family from the 12th to the 17th centuries. Renowned for its intact bawn wall, restored interiors, and Elizabethan gardens, Barryscourt is a testament to Anglo-Norman power and architectural ingenuity. Managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in conjunction with the Barryscourt Trust, the castle has undergone extensive restoration, reopening to the public in April 2025 after a decade-long conservation project.
Barryscourt Castle’s history is deeply
tied to the de Barry family, who arrived in Ireland during the
Norman invasion of 1169–1172 and became one of the most
influential Anglo-Norman families in Munster. The castle’s story
reflects the region’s turbulent medieval and early modern periods,
marked by conquest, rebellion, and cultural transformation.
Early Occupation (7th–12th Centuries): Archaeological evidence
suggests the site was occupied as early as the 7th century, with
traces of a wooden watermill built near a stream, long before any
fortification existed. By the 12th century, following the Norman
invasion, the land was granted to Philip de Barry, nephew of
Robert Fitzstephen, by King Henry II. The de Barrys established
themselves in East Cork, dividing their extensive holdings among
various branches, with Barryscourt becoming the seat of the
powerful Barrymore (Barra Mór, “Great Barry”) branch. Masonry from
this period, possibly remnants of a watermill or early
fortification, indicates the site’s strategic importance.
Castle Construction (1392–1420): The current tower house was
likely built during the reign of John Ciotach Barry, 7th Lord
Barry, between 1392 and 1420, though some sources suggest a later
date around 1550 based on architectural style. Barryscourt became
the main residence for six successive Lords Barrymore, serving as
both a defensive stronghold and a symbol of wealth. The castle’s
construction coincided with the de Barrys’ growing influence, as
they “became more Irish than the Irish themselves,” adopting local
customs and intermarrying with Gaelic families.
Lineage and
Inheritance:
By the 16th century, the Barrymore line faced
challenges due to the lack of male heirs. John Barry, 13th Lord
Barrymore (1517–1553), fathered the 1st Viscount Barry, but the
direct line faltered. The marriage of the 3rd Viscount James
Barrymore to Ellen MacCarthy produced only a daughter, Katherine,
who married Richard Power, 4th Baron le Power. Since only male
heirs could inherit, the main bloodline ended, and in 1556,
Barryscourt passed to James FitzRichard Barry Roe, a distant
cousin from the Barry Roe (Barra Rua, “Red Barry”) branch, through
what some sources describe as a “murderous” acquisition.
In
1617, David Barry, 5th Viscount Barry (1550–1617), died at
Barryscourt and was succeeded by his Protestant-raised grandson,
who married into the Boyle family (Earls of Cork) and became the
1st Earl of Barrymore. This marked a shift, as the Barrys aligned
with English interests during the 1641 rebellion, avoiding
confiscation.
Desmond Rebellions (1569–1583): The Barrys
supported the Fitzgeralds of Desmond in the Desmond Rebellions
against English Protestant rule. In 1581, to prevent capture by
English forces led by Sir Walter Raleigh, David Barry partially
destroyed Barryscourt, burning or damaging its structures. After
the second rebellion’s suppression, Queen Elizabeth I pardoned the
Barrys, and the castle was repaired, with a fortified bawn wall
and three corner towers added to enhance its defenses.
Later
History (17th–19th Centuries):
The castle endured further
conflict, including Cromwell’s campaigns in the 1640s, but
remained in Barry hands. The title of Earl of Barrymore became
extinct in 1825, though it was revived in 1902 for a descendant.
By the 18th century, the castle was abandoned and fell into ruin,
used as a cowshed and pig yard in the 19th century.
The Barrys’
legacy persists in Cork, notably through Barry’s Tea, a popular
Irish brand founded by descendants, and their hunting lodge at
Fota Island, now Fota House.
Modern Restoration (1987–2025): In
1987, the Barryscourt Trust, led by American sculptor Ken Thompson
and Irish politician Peter Barry, was formed to restore the castle
as a cultural and tourist site. The OPW took over management,
launching major restoration projects in the 1990s and 2017–2025.
The latter, prompted by severe water ingress, involved skilled
craftsmen repairing walls, roofs, and interiors, uncovering an
Elizabethan knot garden in the process. The castle reopened on
April 24, 2025, officiated by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, marking a
new chapter in its history.
Cultural Significance:
Anglo-Norman Legacy: Barryscourt embodies the de Barrys’ dominance
in Munster, illustrating the Norman integration into Irish society
through intermarriage and cultural adaptation.
Rebellion and
Resilience: Its role in the Desmond Rebellions and survival
through Raleigh’s and Cromwell’s campaigns highlight its strategic
importance and the Barrys’ defiance.
Historical Documentation:
The castle is linked to Giraldus Cambrensis, who visited in the
12th century and documented local Irish families, adding to its
historiographical value.
Modern Heritage: The OPW’s restoration
and the Barryscourt Trust’s efforts have transformed it into a
cornerstone of Cork’s cultural tourism, complementing nearby
attractions like Fota Wildlife Park and Cobh Heritage Centre.
Barryscourt Castle is a quintessential 16th-century Irish tower
house, characterized by a main tower, a fortified bawn wall, and
adjacent buildings arranged around a courtyard. Its design balances
defense with domesticity, reflecting the wealth and status of the
Barrymore family. Below are its key architectural elements:
Tower
House:
Structure: The main tower, located at the southwest corner of
the courtyard, is a three-story rectangular building with three
five-story turrets projecting from the northeast, southeast, and
southwest corners. The turrets, taller than the main block, provided
defensive coverage and housed additional rooms.
Dungeon: The ground
floor contains a “drop-hole” dungeon, where prisoners were lowered
through a second-floor hatch, a typical feature of Irish tower houses.
Great Hall and Chambers: The first and second floors house two large,
restored rooms used for banquets and social gatherings. The great hall
features a fireplace inscribed with “In 1588, David Barry and Eleanor
Roche made me,” marking post-rebellion repairs. These rooms are
furnished with 16th-century-style wooden furniture, wall hangings, and
utensils, offering an authentic glimpse into medieval life.
Bawn
Wall and Courtyard:
Bawn: The roughly rectangular bawn (outer
defensive wall) is largely intact, a rare feature among Irish castles.
It encloses a courtyard and includes three corner towers at the
northeast, southeast, and southwest, enhancing defense. The bawn’s walls
are thick and designed to repel attackers, with good visibility of all
approaches.
Entrances: The main entrance, set into the south bawn
wall next to the tower, is fortified, while a smaller gate in the north
wall provided secondary access.
Banqueting Hall: A large, now-ruined
building along the bawn’s eastern wall, nearly 50 meters long, is
believed to have been a banqueting hall, indicative of the Barrys’
wealth and social prominence. Only foundations remain.
Chapel: A
small chapel within the bawn, an unusual feature for tower houses,
contains rare Ogham domestic graffiti from the 16th century, one of only
two such examples in Ireland. This graffiti adds a unique cultural layer
to the castle.
Gardens and Orchard:
Elizabethan Knot Garden:
Discovered during recent restorations, the bawn encloses a formal
Elizabethan garden with Celtic knot-patterned hedges, a rare surviving
example from the period. The garden reflects the aesthetic and practical
aspects of medieval life.
Herb Garden and Orchard: Restored in the
1990s, the orchard and herb garden outside the bawn feature
period-appropriate plants, used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
These spaces are planned for cultural and educational events, such as
historical talks and music performances.
Restoration Details:
The 1990s restoration by the Barryscourt Trust furnished the interior
with 16th-century-style fittings, including a long table in the great
hall with carved initials “DB/ER” (possibly David Barry and Eleanor
Roche).
The 2017–2025 OPW project addressed water ingress, restored
the bawn walls, and modernized electrical systems, ensuring structural
integrity. Craftsmen used traditional techniques like lime pointing and
grouting, preserving the castle’s authenticity.
Architectural
Significance:
Barryscourt is one of Ireland’s best-preserved tower
houses, rivaled only by larger castles like Trim Castle (the largest
Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland). Its intact bawn and corner towers are
rare, as many Irish castles lost these features over time.
The
castle’s design, inspired by Norman fortresses but adapted to Irish
terrain, balances defense (thick walls, turrets) with domesticity (large
halls, chapel), reflecting the Barrys’ dual role as warriors and lords.
The Elizabethan garden and Ogham graffiti are unique features, offering
insights into 16th-century aesthetics and cultural practices.
Barryscourt Castle is in excellent condition following its 2017–2025
restoration, described as one of the OPW’s most ambitious conservation
projects. Reopened on April 24, 2025, it is managed by the OPW with
support from the Barryscourt Trust and East Cork Area Development
(ECAD). Below is a detailed overview of its current state and visitor
experience:
Physical Condition: The castle’s limestone tower
house, bawn wall, and corner towers are fully restored, with the great
hall, chambers, and chapel furnished to reflect 16th-century life. The
Elizabethan knot garden, herb garden, and orchard are meticulously
maintained, enhancing the site’s historical ambiance. Modern upgrades,
including electrical systems and visitor facilities, ensure safety and
comfort without compromising authenticity. The castle’s proximity to the
N25 makes it accessible, though it remains a “hidden gem” due to limited
past promotion.
Access:
Location: South of Carrigtwohill, off
the N25 Cork-Waterford road, 16 km east of Cork City (20-minute drive).
GPS coordinates: 51.904664, -8.259016. A shuttle bus from Carrigtwohill
Railway Station operates seasonally in 2025, with schedules on
www.heritageireland.ie.
Entry: Admission is free for the remainder of
2025, a gesture to celebrate the reopening. Guided tours are required
for the upper floors due to narrow stairs and safety concerns, lasting
about 45 minutes. The grounds, gardens, and ground floor are freely
accessible.
Hours: June–September: Daily 10:00–18:00; October–May:
Daily (except Thursdays) 11:00–17:00, with last admission 45 minutes
before closing. Check www.heritageireland.ie for updates, as hours may
vary.
Visitor Experience:
Guided Tours: Led by knowledgeable
guides like Finnian, tours cover the castle’s architecture, Barry family
history, and Anglo-Norman life. Visitors praise the guides’ expertise
and engaging storytelling, especially for families with children. Tours
include the great hall, dungeon, chapel, and battlements, with insights
into features like the Ogham graffiti and David Barry’s fireplace
inscription.
Gardens and Grounds: The Elizabethan knot garden, herb
garden, and orchard are highlights, offering a serene setting for
exploration. The OPW plans cultural events, such as music performances
and historical talks, in the orchard, enhancing the immersive
experience.
Facilities: A horse-box-style café serves tea, coffee,
sandwiches, and cakes, with superb food quality noted by visitors. A
restored 18th-century farmhouse houses a craft shop and restaurant on
the ground floor, with manager’s quarters upstairs. Picnic areas and
benches are available in the gardens.
Cultural Events: The castle
hosts exhibitions, music festivals, and food events, aligning with
Cork’s vibrant cultural scene. The orchard and bawn are ideal for
community gatherings, reinforcing the castle’s role as a local hub.
Atmosphere: Visitors describe Barryscourt as a “beautiful, peaceful”
site, quieter than busier attractions like Blarney Castle. The restored
interiors, with rough-hewn furniture and lime-washed walls, transport
guests to the 16th century, while the gardens add a tranquil, almost
magical quality. The castle’s scale and authenticity make it a favorite
among history enthusiasts and families.
Accessibility Considerations:
The site poses challenges for those with mobility issues due to narrow
stairs and uneven ground. The ground floor and gardens are more
accessible, but the upper floors require guided tours and stair
navigation. Visitors with mobility concerns should contact the OPW in
advance for assistance.
Feedback: Reviews on Tripadvisor and other
platforms give Barryscourt high marks (top 10% of attractions), praising
the restoration, guides, and gardens. Some criticize past closures and
limited signage, but the 2025 reopening has addressed these, with
improved promotion planned. Negative feedback about mandatory guided
tours reflects a preference for self-guided exploration, but the OPW’s
safety concerns justify the policy.
Barryscourt Castle is a cultural and historical treasure, embodying
Ireland’s Anglo-Norman heritage and its complex medieval past:
Barry Family Legacy: The castle was the heart of the Barrymore domain,
reflecting their wealth, power, and eventual assimilation into Irish
culture. Their support for the Desmond Rebellions underscores their role
in resisting English domination.
Architectural Rarity: As one of
Ireland’s best-preserved tower houses with an intact bawn, Barryscourt
is a rare survivor of the Elizabethan era, offering insights into
16th-century domestic and military life.
Elizabethan Gardens: The
knot garden and orchard are among the few restored examples of their
kind, highlighting the aesthetic sophistication of the period.
Conservation Milestone: The OPW’s restoration, praised by Project
Architect John Geraghty as a “labour of love,” showcases traditional
craftsmanship and sets a benchmark for heritage preservation, with
skills applied to other sites like the Rock of Cashel.
Tourism
Impact: Its proximity to Fota Wildlife Park, Cobh, and Midleton
Distillery positions Barryscourt as a key stop on Cork’s tourism trail,
boosting the local economy and cultural pride, as noted by Taoiseach
Micheál Martin and Minister Kevin Moran.
Barryscourt’s conservation has been a success, but challenges remain:
Past Water Damage: Severe water ingress prompted the 2016 closure,
addressed through extensive repairs to walls, roofs, and electrical
systems. Ongoing maintenance is crucial to prevent recurrence.
Balancing Access and Safety: Narrow stairs and structural concerns
necessitate guided tours, frustrating some visitors who prefer
self-guided exploration. The OPW prioritizes safety, but improved
signage could clarify this policy.
Promotion: Despite its beauty,
Barryscourt has been “forgotten” by locals, as noted by CorkBeo. The
2025 reopening aims to elevate its profile, but sustained marketing is
needed to rival Blarney Castle.
Environmental Sustainability: The
café and visitor facilities must adopt sustainable practices to minimize
the site’s ecological footprint, though no specific issues are reported.
The OPW’s use of in-house craftsmen, skilled in traditional techniques
like lime pointing, ensures long-term preservation. The castle’s free
admission in 2025 and planned cultural events signal a commitment to
accessibility and community engagement.
To maximize a visit to Barryscourt Castle, consider the following:
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June–September) for extended hours
(10:00–18:00) and orchard events. Spring (April–May) offers blooming
gardens, while autumn (October) provides quieter visits. Winter hours
are limited (11:00–17:00, closed Thursdays).
What to Bring:
Comfortable shoes for uneven ground and garden walks.
A camera for
the castle’s architecture and knot garden.
Rain gear, as Cork’s
weather is unpredictable.
Respecting the Site: Follow guide
instructions, avoid touching furnishings, and stay on designated paths
in the gardens. Book tours in advance for groups via
www.heritageireland.ie.
Practical Information:
Getting There:
Drive 20 minutes from Cork City via the N25, or take bus 260/261 from
Cork Bus Station to Carrigtwohill (5-minute walk). A seasonal shuttle
from Carrigtwohill Railway Station is available in 2025.
Contact:
Email pressoffice@opw.ie for inquiries or to arrange group visits.
Cost: Free admission in 2025; future pricing TBD.
Nearby
Attractions:
Fota Wildlife Park (5 km): A renowned zoo with
free-roaming animals.
Fota House, Arboretum, and Gardens (5 km): A
restored 19th-century mansion with Victorian gardens.
Cobh Heritage
Centre (10 km): Explores the Titanic and Irish emigration history.
Midleton Distillery Experience (10 km): Home of Jameson whiskey,
offering tours and tastings.
Spike Island (15 km): A historic
fortress and former prison, accessible by ferry.
Blarney Castle (25
km): Famous for the Blarney Stone, a popular but busier alternative.
Combine with a Regional Tour: Pair Barryscourt with Cobh, Fota, and
Midleton for a day trip, or explore Cork City (16 km) for its markets,
St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, and English Market.