Castlehaven Lodge

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.

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.

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.

• 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 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.