A whimsical haven in an historic harbour
A quaint and deceptively roomy 19th century cottage, Castlehaven Lodge has been completely modernised and re-furbished. Surrounded by acres of rambling gardens, dazzling views of the Atlantic, it enjoys a private walk through an historic glen to a secluded west Cork cove.
At a Glance
Up to 4 guests
Two double bedrooms-both ensuite
Open Plan Living/Dining Room
Kitchen
Paved Patio
Wheelchair Friendly
Logs and Turf
Barbecue
WiFi
Smoking – No, sorry!
Parties – The owners regret Stag, Hen, Wedding or 21st parties are not admissible.
Property Features
A modest lodge with an eastern twist
Built mid 19th century as an annex to the expansive parsonage with which it shares this 20 acre coastal property, the cottage makes a perfect base for walkers and watermen alike.
An open log-burning fireplace is punched into the rustic stone wall, a feature of one end of the open living space. The dining area occupies the opposing end.
For larger groups, Castlehaven House which sleeps 10 may be used in conjunction with the Lodge.
Hardwood marine decking floors unite the rooms throughout.
From here one of three doors open onto every bodies favourite dining area, the alfresco terrace with views out towards the bay, and the tang of the ocean. There is an alternative dining table in the solid wood all electric kitchen.
The bedrooms are given a Japanese twist with dramatic Shoji sliding doors, concealing contemporary ensuite shower rooms clad in mottled grey marble.
Outside
The extensive grounds are shared with Castlehaven house, which features elsewhere on this website, and include a picturesque private walk along a woodland fern glade pathway leading down to the pebble beach and pier.
There is an historic, if very small, holy well known as Saint Barrahane’s Well, within the grounds. The saint appears in a stained glass window in Castletownsend.
Facilities
The lodge is Wheelchair friendly, and is fitted out to a high standard with Wi-Fi, Dishwasher, Clothes dryer etc. If you have a particular requirement, be sure to tell us.
Our Highlights of this Home
Out and About
Castlehaven Lodge is ideally situated for exploring all that’s great about West Cork. Enjoy great scenery, lively events and festivals, a warm welcome and some great days out and about. There really is too much choice and not enough room.
Things to do
- Catch a wave at Barleycove beach
- Cross the bridge to Mizen
- Fish off the Fastnet
- Roaring Water Bay by boat
- Catch up on history
- Great music on Sherkin Island
- Whale watching with Colin
- Dine locally at Mary Ann’s
- Play a round at Skibbereen
- A bowl of mussels in Bantry
Other interesting local attractions include:
St. Barrahane’s Feast Day, December 3 (in Castletownshend)
Baltimore Seafood Festival and Baltimore Wooden Boats Festival in May
Baltimore Regatta August 1st
Concerts at St. Barrahane’s Church in Castletownshend (festival of music) late July to Mid August
- Trek a pony in Schull
- Cycle around Sheeps Head
- Go moonlight kayaking
- Yoga at an Sanctoir
- Dive off Baltimore
Annual festivals a-plenty include Traditional Irish music Festival, Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival, Skibbereen Food Festival, Cape Clear Storytelling, and many sailing events including Calves Week
The Locality
The deep sheltered waters of Castlehaven Bay was the scene of the sinking of a small Spanish Armada in 1602 that subsequently led to a game-changing event in Irish history known as the Flight of the Earls.
West Cork is renowned for its long jagged peninsulas and deep bays – the last point of land visible to travellers from Great Britain and Ireland as they headed for America.
The climate is very mild, with moist Atlantic breezes warmed by the Gulf Stream that sweeps across from the Caribbean. Semi-tropical plants and palm trees are common in this region. Fuchsia abound and have become the unofficial emblem of West Cork.
Baltimore is perhaps Irelands most southern town. A 30 minute drive away, it is the terminal for ferries to Clear and Sherkin Islands. The town has a long tradition of wooden boat building.
Between 1880 and 1926 Baltimore was the largest fishing port in the country and 78 fishing vessels were registered locally.br By 1907, after the North Pier had been built, the fleet was so numerous that you could, it was said, walk to Sherkin across the decks of the boats! At one stage there were seven trains every day out of Baltimore, all carrying fish for the American market.
The Fastnet rock lies 19km to the south of Baltimore. Its lighthouse flashes once every five seconds, and has a range of 27 nautical miles.
Every second August, Rolex sponsor a yacht race from the Isle of Wight (UK) to the Fastnet and back, a distance of 700 miles. In 2013 the last boat to cross the line, a 101 year old gaff yawl, took 6 days, 6 hours, 31 minutes and 27 seconds to complete the course. In 1985, the lighthouse was struck by a rogue wave measuring about 157 feet (48 m) in height.
Cape Clear island is Ireland’s most southerly, and has a population of 120 Irish speaking persons. It’s a 45 minute boat trip from Baltimore or Schull. The island is 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. The islands remote location, coupled with its proximity to the continental shelf, makes it the foremost centre for bird watching in Ireland, boasting Ireland’s only manned observatory. Whale, leatherback turtle, sun fish and shark are spotted every year – dolphins constantly.
How to get there (Car advised)
By Air: Cheap flights to Kerry Airport (Farrenfore) Cork, Dublin or Shannon.
Kerry Airport – approx 2 hours from house.
Cork Airport – approx 1.5 hours from house.
Shannon Airport – approx 3.5 hours from house.
Dublin Airport – approx 4.5 hours from house.
By Sea: Ferry crossings from Pembroke/Fishguard to Rosslare.
Stena Express – 120 mins (summer only from Fishguard)
Rosslare Port is approx 4 hours from house
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is approx 4 hours from house
Pricing Options
This home is available for both week long and weekend/midweek stays.
Week bookings run from Saturday to Saturday – 7 nights
Mid-week bookings run from Monday PM till Friday AM – 4 nights
Weekend bookings run from Friday PM till Monday AM – 3 nights
Christmas, New Year and Public Holidays are at the weekly rate.
A refundable breakages deposit of €250 is payable with the rental amount will be refunded within seven days of departure.
Months | Per Week | Weekend | Midweek |
All Year | €1,300 | €800 | €800 |
Price is
€1,300 per week
Book This Home
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“We had the most special holiday in their house.”
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Noel was absolutely brilliant, really looked after us. The house was perfect, a total sanctuary from a wonderful, but very busy West Cork. The house was beautiful inside and so well equipped, we just loved how generous the bedrooms and bathrooms were. The glen was the perfect family hang out for swimming and supping. We absolutely loved it and hope to go back again next year. Thanks so much.
Aoife & Dave Porter
August 2020
“We felt relaxed as soon as we went in the door.”
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The lodge is comfortable and light filled, surrounded by nature, perfect for reading, dinner/ socialising or taking it easy. The layout is well designed and the kitchen is well equipped.
The walk to Castlehaven old church and Harbour through the woods is fun, we enjoyed the beautiful views of the bay. Good base for exploring the area eg Lough Hine, Castletownshend, Baltimore, Lis Ard, toe head, loads to do if you have some nice weather. Look forward to going back soon!
P&G Wall
June 2019
“We had a wonderful stay.”
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We had a wonderful stay, and would like to say thanks especially to Noel the caretaker, who was so helpful, and had lovely goodies in the kitchen for our arrival.
Evelyn
June 2023
“We had a lovely stay in Castlehaven Lodge.”
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We’ll definitely be going back next year, hoping we can go for longer next time. Noel was very accommodating and a really nice guy.
Thank you for making our holiday so smooth and very enjoyable.
Lorraine
September 2017
” The Lodge was home away from home.”
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We were warmly greeted by our host and he made every effort to make sure our holiday was enjoyable and comfortable. Whether it was chopping wood for a fire or giving advice on the local area, he made himself available without intrusion. The Lodge was home away from home, that is if your home has a little forest walk at the bottom of the garden leading down to a secluded beach cove.
Our accommodation had comfortable beds and lots of white fluffy towels in a spotlessly clean bedroom. Plenty of hot water and great shower pressure in the spacious bathrooms. The kitchen was well equipped and our host very kindly supplied fresh provisions on arrival.
The surrounding area of West Cork is spectacular even at the time of year we chose to visit. We went to Mizen Head to see the light house on the day storm Doris broke and the breaking waves were particularly powerful along the coast that day. Inchydoney beach and Owenahincha beach are beautiful but Barleycove was our favourite, and as you can imagine, completely deserted in February.
Castlefreke woodland walk and the history of the area is captivating but make sure to stop at Union Hall on the way back and pick up some fish for supper.
David and Fiona
February 2017
Frequently Asked Questions
- Please note all booking requests are subject to 24 hour approval.
- Once your provisional booking has been placed, the UIH team will verify it, answer any specific queries you may have, and request a deposit to lock in your dates.
- Please note if your provisional booking is not confirmed and the deposit paid within 3 days it will expire.
- If your preferred dates are not available, click here to review alternate options.
- For additional information please contact us on +353 85 860 0027