Description
Dun na Sead Castle is a beautifully restored 13th century castle, set atop a hill overlooking Baltimore harbor in West Cork. The castle fell into ruin and was uninhabited for over three hundred years. The McCarthy family purchased the castle in 1997. They put great love and care into restoring it to its former splendor, then opened the castle to the public in 2005.
Given the history, beauty and amazing scenery from the castle it is frequented often by those on a Ireland honeymoon. Tour the great hall on the first floor, recreated to feel like a grand home. It has its original two fireplaces and dressed sandstone windows. See furnishings and old photographs, as well as archaeological findings from the castle grounds. Sit in plush couches and peruse photographs of the reconstruction process.
How to get there
By car:
From Skibbereen , take R595 south to Baltimore. Castle is located by the harbor.
By bus:
See www.buseireann.ie website for all current travel details and restrictions.
Opening times
June 1st to September 30th, 11AM to 6PM daily.
Admission fee
Adults 3 euro
Child free
Address
Dun na Sead Castle
Baltimore, Co. Cork
Tel: 028 20735
Email: bernadettemccarthy_1@hotmail.com
My experience
This castle feels like a home. In fact, it is a home to the McCarthy family – they occupy one level not open to the public.
It is a new experience to explore a restored castle, one with a ceiling and all the comforts of home. So many castles in Ireland are falling into ruin. Dun na Sead Castle was restored following the original design of the castle. It is a good place to come if you want to imagine the true life of the people who inhabited it long ago. It goes to show that a castle can be a very comfortable modern-day dwelling as well.
Written by Liz O' Malley - Summer of Travel 2007