Castlehaven House

Castlehaven House

Castlehaven House

A Rambling Rural Rectory

Book this home

West Cork

This is a spacious, charming and historical Georgian country home. Superb for family vacations, with lots to entertain, dazzling views of the Atlantic, acres of maintained exclusive gardens, and a private walk through an historic glen to the secluded seashore. Uniquely West Cork.

 

Something special for everyone

Built as a parish rectory more than 200 years ago, this substantial three storey holiday home retains all of its original charm while integrating liberal concessions to modern comforts.

The interior is simply stated – solid white walls, and authentic wooden floor boards stained black. Paneled shutters and roller blinds are all that frame the bright latticed sash windows throughout.

There are white marble open fireplaces in the two living rooms. An east facing bay in the larger one has stunning views across Castlehaven Bay through French doors that step down to a furnished terrace and stone barbeque.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 12 Guests
    From €3,900 per week
  • Bedrooms
    Four Double Bedrooms
    &
    One Twin Bedroom
    All Ensuite
  • Other Rooms
    Two Reception Rooms
    Dining Room
    Kitchen
    Billiard Room
    Study with Double Sofa Bed
    Utility Room
  • Contempo
    Sauna Spa
    Logs&Turf

  • CHECK HERE

Piano enthusiasts will appreciate the vintage John Broadwood, the world’s first piano manufacturer.

The furniture mainly observes a wicker theme, offset by occasional vintage cabinets and chairs, as in the dining room.

A matching pair of leather wingback chairs off the reception hall are inviting to pass some time with a coffee and the papers.

The adjoining billiard room, has a dartboard, and for the less competitive, a wall full of books.

Less formal meals can be taken tepenyaki style in the kitchen on stools around the central cooking island.

Room sizes throughout this home are generous, and all the bedrooms enjoy awesome views of the landscaped gardens, ‘The Stags’ and the sheltered bay. There is ample built in wardrobe space in each.

There is also a large sauna and walk through rainfall shower tower in the basement for complete pampering.

The four fully tiled ensuite bathrooms are spacious, bright and well appointed.

Outside

A cobbled yard of beach stones and rough stone walled outbuildings, lead to a greenhouse laden with vegetables that spans its southern walls.

The garden consists of a generous 20 acres of rambling lawns, hedges, and woodland fern glade pathways, 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 house is equipped with everything you would expect from a luxury home – from Sauna to WiFi to barbeque, clothes dryer to microwave, piano, billiards, darts, books, games, dvds.
If you have a particular requirement, be sure to tell us..

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
Parties – The owners regret Stag, Hen, Wedding or 21st parties are not admissible.

For larger groups, Castlehaven Lodge which sleeps 4 may be used in conjunction with the main house.
More here …

Provisional Booking Form

  This Home is only let by the week

Please Note: For Christmas and New Years 2021 the House is Available for Set Dates:

The 23rd to the 28th December 2021 -€4,950
The 28th to the 2nd January 2022- €4,950

Holidays’ Dates for 2022 are priced as following.
Easter Week 14th-  19th April 2022 – €4,950
Halloween  26th- 1st October 2022 – €4,950
Christmas 23rd to the 28th Dec 2022 – €4,950
New Years’ 30th December 2022 to the 2nd January 2023  –€4,950

Important – A Week’s booking runs from Saturday to Saturday
There is a breakages deposit €800 – refundable within 7 days – applicable to this property.

Please Also Note:  There is a caretaker resident on the estate.

May to June €4,500 per week
July to September €4,950 per week
October to April €3,900 per week

 

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE – BOOKED

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Please select a date first.

We don't take payment until your enquiry is confirmed.

Your travel arrangements are important, so all provisional bookings are double checked with the owners to ensure that your plans do not conflict with theirs, this can take up to 24 hours, but we haven’t forgotten about you.!

Provisional bookings will be followed up by email, at which point we can answer specific queries you may have, verify your booking and request a deposit to confirm.

Please note that all unconfirmed provisional bookings will expire after 3 days.
If your preferred dates are not available, please click here to review all houses that match your dates.

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Booked
Pending
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Please select a date first.

We don't take payment until your enquiry is confirmed.

Reviews

 

We had a wonderful week…

the house was very special and Noel couldn’t have been more helpful. Also thank you for referring us to Don – the cycles were there when we arrived and were well used during the week. We left the house tidy and took good care of it.

Judy, UK, June 2017

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for our wonderful week at Castlehaven House 2 weeks ago. We all had the most incredible, memorable time and the house provided the perfect back drop, helping us create some truly special memories. We loved the walk down to the cove, the gardens, the spacious, beautifully thought out living areas & the surrounding area for visits. Thank you for helping us organise an exceptionally memorable week.

Siobhan & family, UK , May 2017

Facebook Page

using Castlehaven House  in search for posts

Out & About

 

Castlehaven House 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.

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

Here are some of our favourites…

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.

photo Mike Searle

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.

Wild Atlantic Way
Click here to find out more…

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

Map

Mount Corrin

Mount Corrin

Mount Corrin

An authentic Country House of exceptional charm

Book this home

County Cork

West Cork is a very special place. Here, sheltered in the crook between Mizen and Sheeps heads, Mount Corrin exudes all the ambience and atmosphere of a neo-classical house; an oasis in a wilderness landscape.
Wonderful detailing, paintings, curios and objets, delight at every turn, illustrating the very personal and sensitive restoration project that this home epitomises.
The extensive gardens too, with their organic vegetables, hermitage and heated swimming pool, confirm that this is a very special place indeed.

 

Elegant Country style living

The main house is Georgian and was constructed in 1750. It has recently undergone a spectacular restoration.
Tracery on sash windows, bold colours contrasting with warm washes, together with original and salvaged fittings, add quirky authenticity to the Strawberry Hill Gothic design.

There is a self contained cottage, a fitness centre in the Granary annex, and an enclosed garden hermitage in the grounds.
The splendid organic kitchen gardens are magnificently maintained to ensure fresh herbs and vegetables, while a relaxing jacuzzi tub compliments the heated swimming pool.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 11 guests. incl. Cottage
    From €5,000 per week(without cottage)
  • Bedrooms
    Three double bedrooms
    two ensuite
    One Single Bedroom with walk in bathroom
    Bathroom
  • Other Rooms
    Two Living Rooms
    Kitchen with Breakfast Table
    Dining Room
    Conservatory
    Study
    Utility Room 
    Boot Room
  • Features
    Cottage with Two Double Bedrooms
    Living Room
    Kitchen
    Bathroom
    WC
  • Contempo
    Heated Swimming Pool
    Jacuzzi
    Gym

The crimson dining room adjoining the kitchen, has period furniture and Persian rugs floating on wide-board pine floors that feature throughout the house, and were characteristic of the era.

Much of the interior is reminiscent of simpler and more genteel times. The kitchen illustrates this perfectly with open shelved walls of glossy white tiles to the ceiling.

An Aga range and plenty of pots and pans anticipate an ambitious culinary experience, or simple breakfast around the table. There is a separate utility room off the kitchen for laundry.

The living room and drawing room interconnect via double french doors. Each room has a wood burning stove set in a classical fireplace. Books, paintings and sofas contribute to that wonderful meeting of comfort, library and gallery.

A typical Georgian circular skylight or roof lantern, floods the stairs and landing in the centre of the house, bringing to life the white stair treads and Tivoli Blue walls.

There is a magnificent conservatory annex built into this end of the house which opens out onto the side terrace – great for barbeque feasts and romantic nights.

Bedrooms

The exquisite porcelain basins and classic taps of the master ensuite are typical of the surprises that greet you throughout this home. A second double bedroom has a bath set into a tiled alcove, while a third has a separate walk-in wardrobe, and a magnificent walnut sleigh bed.

The main bathroom on the landing features a terrific wet room style shower, and a black and white tile theme, so associated with the Georgian era.

Facilities

Equipped with everything you would expect from a five star home – from WiFi to barbeque, clothes dryer to microwave, Books, DVD and games
Heating – Central and Under-floor
Heated Swimming Pool, Jacuzzi and Pilates Gym

If you have a particular requirement, be sure to tell us..

The Cottage

The property comes with a separate cottage to the other side of the main house.
It is beautifully fitted out, with a spacious modern kitchen, wood-burning stove in the living room, two double bedrooms and a double sofa-bed.

 

The Hermitage

Further across the garden amongst the trees is the hexagonal Hermitage. Chill out here by the wood stove with just trickling stream and birdsong to disturb you.

 

Restrictions

Smoking – no, sorry !
Pets – One well controlled dog only
Parties – The owners regret Stag, Hen, Wedding or 21st parties are not admissible.
Children – Special attention – the property is not suitable for non swimming children.

Your particular attention is brought to the Terms and Conditions applicable to this home, a copy of which will be forwarded to you with the contract as part of the booking confirmation.

Outside

The rambling garden invites exploration, with a wide variety of well maintained shrubs and trees punctuating the lawns and pathways, and “celebrating the gaiety of nature”- Walpole.

On the way to the heated outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, stop by the two storey Granary.
Downstairs is fitted out as a small gym with pilates equipment and shower room – up the rustic stairs is an artist studio and relaxation area.

Beyond the croquet lawn, the blending in of stone walls and rough hewn railings around the pool area complete the country house romance.

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is only let by the week.

Easter Week 14th-  19th April 2022 – €8,500
Halloween  26th- 1st October 2022 – €8,500
Christmas 23rd to the 28th Dec 2022 – €8,500
New Years 30th to the 2nd Jan 2023 – €8,500

The Cottage on the house grounds is only  available seperately in the off season (15th September -1st June) excluding the holidays outlined below. 

NB. There is a €500 refundable deposit applicable to this home.

Your particular attention is brought to the Terms and Conditions applicable to this home, a copy of which will be forwarded to you with the contract as part of the booking confirmation.

 

23rd Dec.-6th of January €8,500 per week (incl. cottage)
13th-21st Febuary €8,500 per week (incl. cottage)
26th March- 11th April €8,500 per week (incl. cottage)
1st June- 14th September €8,500 per week (incl. cottage)
15th September -1st June (House Only)€5,000 per week

 

 

 

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE BOOKED

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Your travel arrangements are important, so all provisional bookings are double checked with the owners to ensure that your plans do not conflict with theirs, this can take up to 24 hours, but we haven’t forgotten about you.!

Provisional bookings will be followed up by email, at which point we can answer specific queries you may have, verify your booking and request a deposit to confirm.

Please note that all unconfirmed provisional bookings will expire after 3 days.
If your preferred dates are not available, please click here to review all houses that match your dates.

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Booked
Pending
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Reviews

 

“The house at Mt Corrin was perfect for our needs.”

 

 Grandparents, 2 daughters with sons in law and three children. Lots of accommodation and space where everyone could easily take time out either indoors or outside. We loved the property,  the ambience, the splendid gardens and the pool. The pool was used for 6 days out of 7. 

 

Don, 2021.

West Cork still has many secrets waiting to be discovered…

and Mount Corrin House is one of them.
This is a property that keeps on giving. Around every turn there is another surprise. The gardens have been created with love and consideration. Around every bend there is another surprise waiting, from the walkways amongst the creative planting to the kitchen garden.
The house is the ultimate in comfort and understated style with the river house (my favourite) offering the ideal holistic escape. The kitchen is a chef’s dream where every detail has been considered.
This is a property where the small things make the difference.

 

Carmel Somers, February 2019
Click here for reviews on using Corrin in Search for Posts

 

Out & About

 

Rugged and remote, this part of West Cork encourages leisurely endeavours, rambling, cycling and of course eating.
There are amazing pristine beaches for surfing and kiting, fishing, sailing and boat tours and brilliant restaurants.
With wonderful walks, splendid scenery, and legendary gardens to visit, we just can’t list them all, so here are a few of our favourites…

Here are some of our favourites…

 

The Locality

 

 

The house is in a sheltered dip near the village of Durrus, at the foot of Mount Corrin. From here you can explore both the Mizen and Sheeps Head peninsulas.
The local supermarket supplies seriously good regional produce –  this neck of the woods generally is a magnet for those of us who pursue quality food and quality cooking!
The sleepy market town of Bantry is just 11kms away and has larger shops and supermarkets.
There are excellent walks, trails and views throughout this popular and remote region – the Sheeps Head Way is a classic.
Friday is market day in Bantry’s large town square, and should not be missed for the excellent local artisan food on sale.
Bantry Bay is renowned for mussel fishing.

The lighthouse on the cliffs of Mizen Head at the end of the peninsula is Ireland’s most south westerly point, and can be reached by a dramatic bridge.

Beautiful and busy Barley Cove beach, just around the corner, has extensive sand dunes and an interesting floating pontoon link, which helps to protect the dunes from visitor erosion.

The Fastnet rock lighthouse 14km offshore is the most southerly and the last visible point of Ireland for emigrants traveling to Ellis Island in the 19th century. It is also extremely exposed.
The original cast iron lighthouse used to shake violently in storms.
A rogue wave reportedly washed over the 48m tower in 1985.

A megalith at Toormore Bay, known as the Alter Wedge Tomb is one of a dozen or so similar Stone Age constructions to be found around the peninsula.

At the end of the 18th century a republican group seeking to overthrow British rule in Ireland, and spurred on by activities in America and France, managed to persuade the French to send a sizeable fleet of ships and some 14,000 troops to Bantry Bay.
Storms and general mismanagement doomed the Armada – an exhibition in Bantry House details more of this, plus the gardens are fantastic.

Sailing is the most ubiquitous pastime along this stretch of Corks coastline, and from Crookhaven to Kinsale there are countless regattas throughout the summer, and great opportunities for the serious sailor to up their skills.

The comparatively warm Atlantic ocean caused by the gulf stream current, ensures an abundance of nourishment for maritime fauna. Apart from whales, dolphins and seals, the whole area is a Mecca for bird watchers.

How to get there – Car advised…

By Air: Cheap flights to Kerry Airport (Farrenfore) Cork, Dublin or Shannon.
Kerry Airport – approx 1 hour from house.
Cork Airport – approx 1.5 hours from house.
Shannon Airport – approx 2 hours from house.
Dublin Airport – approx 4 hours from house.

By Sea: Ferry crossings from Pembroke/Fishguard to Rosslare.
Stena Express – 120 mins (summer only from Fishguard)
Swansea/Cork Ferry is 1.5 hours from the house.
Rosslare Port is approx 4 hours from house
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is approx 4 hours from house

 

​

Map

Gortadrohid

Gortadrohid

Gortadrohid

The most South West you can go...

Book this home

West Cork

On a causeway-linked island – one of the throng at the edge of Roaring Water Bay – and wrapped in 15 acres of wildlife and flowers, this impressive and recently constructed two storey family home enjoys spectacular views and a unique relationship with the ocean.
It’s well known that West Cork is where food, festivals and family fun flourish.

 

Spacious, Comfortable, Contemporary and Private

T shaped in footprint, the westerly wing of the trio is an open plan space and the core of this family home. The room spans more than 12 metres from an informal corner group seating area, with smart flat screen TV, to a powder-blue kitchen at the extreme end. There is stone floor throughout.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 12 guests
    Incl. 2 in the Studio
    From €2,500 per week
  • Bedrooms
    Three Double Bedrooms, one en suite, one convertible to twins on ground floor
    &
    One Triple Bedroom, bunks and a single
    Family Bathroom,
    &
    W/C Shower Room on Ground Floor
  • Other Rooms
    Open Plan Living Room/Dining/Kitchen
    Sitting Room
    Entrance Lobby
    Utility Room
  • Features
    Studio in Separate Stone Cottage
    Double Bedroom en suite with W/C and Shower
    Art Studio on Ground Floor of Cottage
  • Contempo
    Multiple Paved Patios
    Private Slipway and Moorings
    Concealed Garden Lighting
    Underfloor Heating 
    Sandpit
    Barbecue 
    Internet and Smart TV
  • Availability
    Weekly: Friday to Friday
    Weekends: Friday to Monday
    Mid week: Monday to Friday

In the kitchen, devotees of the culinary arts are not only treated to exquisite vistas of the coast, but are spoiled by an American fridge and an exceptional three oven cooking range topped by a ceramic hob.

The Belfast sink has a companion countersunk in the preparation island, and twin dishwashers stand side by side to accommodate the debris of ambrosia.

The centre of this living space – occupied by a humble but long dining table – is lined with patio doors that open north and south framing panoramic views across landscaped gardens, the River Illen and North West towards Mount Gabriel.

Mimicking one in the front porch, a slender arched window illuminates the double height entrance hall, where roomy volute rail stairs make a return to the first floor gallery landing, at the centre of the house.

The more formal drawing room in the North wing benefits from multiple views, with windows everywhere, including French doors to catch sunsets on the northern terrace.

A contemporary, cosy wood burning stove enjoys centre stage below flat screen technology.

Still on the ground floor, there is a delightful and accessible double bedroom with shower and toilet in the opposite wing.

Three generous double bedrooms and a kid’s room with single bed and bunks, construe the upstairs accommodation. All the rooms are blessed with more of those ubiquitous views.

The master bedroom is ensuite – there is a shared family bathroom for the rest. King size beds may ‘zip and link’ into two where required.

The Studio

Adjacent to the home, a charming Artists studio of traditional stone construction has extra accommodation on the first floor – a spacious double bedroom with an additional single bed, serviced by its own ensuite shower room. Large French doors open from the studio onto a dedicated south facing terrace.

Facilities

The house is well insulated and employs the latest heat recovery technology. The Fridge Freezer has an ice-maker and water dispenser, while the washing machine has an extra-large capacity. There are two dishwashers. You will find a wide selection of books, DVD’s, and there is internet – in short everything you might require.
If you have a particular requirement, be sure to tell us…

Outside

The property sits on an island connected to the mainland by a causeway. A long driveway takes you through 15 acres of private land, dotted with heather and gorse, seals, otters and hares. Several paths lead down to the water’s edge where there is a slipway and moorings, and a stretch of private sandy shoreline. Bring your kayak, RIB or dingy because there are a lot of inlets and islets to explore!

From the two garden terraces, there are stunning views of Baltimore harbour, the multiple islands of Roaring Water Bay and Mount Gabriel beyond. A large sandpit for kids, and landscape lighting in the picturesque stone walls are delightful additions.

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
The owners regret Stag or Hen parties are not admissible.
Pets – No, sorry!

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is only let by the fortnight for the summer; June to September.

In the off-season, it is only let by the week.
Important – A Week’s booking runs from Friday to Friday.

Rates for Public Holidays 2022:
Easter Week 14th-  19th April 2022 – €3,600
Halloween  26th- 1st October 2022 – €3,600
Christmas 23rd to the 28th Dec 2022 – €3,600
New Years’ 30th December 2022 to the 2nd January 2023  –€3,600

 

Christmas and New Year are high season as below, for other Public holidays – please apply for rates.

A refundable breakages deposit payable with the rental amount of €500 will be refunded within seven days of departure.

Period House only per week
(2 weeks only June to September)		 surcharge for Studio
June to September €3,600 €300
October to May €2,500 €400

 

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE BOOKED

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Please select a date first.

We don't take payment until your enquiry is confirmed.

Your travel arrangements are important, so all provisional bookings are double checked with the owners to ensure that your plans do not conflict with theirs, this can take up to 24 hours, but we haven’t forgotten about you.!

Provisional bookings will be followed up by email, at which point we can answer specific queries you may have, verify your booking and request a deposit to confirm.

Please note that all unconfirmed provisional bookings will expire after 3 days.
If your preferred dates are not available, please click here to review all houses that match your dates.

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Booked
Pending
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Please select a date first.

We don't take payment until your enquiry is confirmed.

 

Reviews

 

Gortadroid is idillic, a pleasurdome of pure luxury perched atop an island of serenity.

The views in the morning are enough to defibrillate even the most exhausted city dweller and the pink sunsets soften the soul like the enzymes in the centre of expensive chocolate truffles.
The house itself is clean, bright and comfortable with many useful practical considerations. All the rooms are fitted with double blinds for extended snoozing and the kitchen is generously fitted out in every direction to make it the ideal entertaining space.
The house is warm at all times due to a magic and apparently invisible heating system and the baths are large and deep. There is a snug with a wood-burner for those that like to indulge in light pyromania and walks in all directions are imbued with panoramic views and the kind of refreshing solitude you expect from such a remote part of the world.
The local fishmongers, pubs and shopping are only a ten minuet drive away which is very useful and there are treasures to be found in the weekend markets, charity shops and antiques places even for the novice scavenger.
We absolutely loved it and plan to return just add soon as we can.

Moses Van den Bogaerde, March 2019

Click here for reviews on using Gortadrohid in Search for Posts

 

Out & About

 

It’s easy to see why West Cork is such a magnet for family vacations, there’s just so much happening.

Plus, if like Rat in Wind in the Willows, you find “there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats…” you’re in the right place.

Here are links to some of our favourites

There are few regions where you will find quite so many Festivals – there always seems to be something magical in full swing. Here are just a few: Traditional Irish music Festival, Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival, Skibbereen Food Festival, Cape Clear Storytelling, Baltimore Seafood and Wooden Boat Festival, O’Driscioll Clan and Midsummer Festival, Baltimore Pirate Festival, Baltimore Regatta, Baltimore Sea Angling Festival, West Cork Chamber Music Festival, West Cork Literary Festival, Baltimore Fiddle Fair

 

The Locality

 

 

Baltimore village with restaurants, shops and pubs is less than ten minutes by car, and just a mile by sea. This is probably as far south as towns get in Ireland.
The town was the country largest fishing port at the turn of the last century, and a long tradition of boat building. Most of the catch was destined for America, with some seven train loads a day leaving the port.

There is a small archipelago known as Carberry’s 100 isles in this most southerly parish in Ireland. Actually there are only about 50, and they all bear the scars of Atlantic attrition that has left a jagged combed striation in the sandstone.

The Baltimore Seafood and Wooden Boat Festival runs the last weekend in May. Sailors and boat-lovers gather for a weekend of sailing, talking, learning and partying in true West Cork style!
Food tents line the pier hosting West Cork’s finest fish smokers, cheese makers and organic gardeners showcasing unique cuisine.

Wild Atlantic Way
Click here to find out more…

The lively town of Skibbereen is about 12 km inland, and the principal town in the region. Excellent for Artisan food and crafts, there is a vibrant market here on Saturdays.
There is a fine heritage centre in the town for tracing your family, especially if you are a McCarthy. Baltimore is strong O’Driscoll territory though, so if you’re from that clan, that’s the spot for you.

The local population was decimated during the great potato famine – there are said to be 9,000 victims in burial pits outside the Skibbereen.
Some escaped west to the New World on ships like the Jeanie Johnston (pictured) which carried more than 2,500 passengers in very cramped conditions over seven years without loss of a single life.

Every two years an 1,126 km yacht race from the Isle of Wight around Ireland’s most southerly point, the Fastnet Rock, takes place. Severe weather famously took the lives of 18 sailors in the 1979 race, resulting in the largest ever peace-time rescue operation.

Baltimore is a good choice for ferries to the islands, where the best beaches are to be found, and boat tours of Roaring Water Bay.

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.

 

Map

Drishane House

Drishane House

Drishane House

Stories Preserved for Posterity

Book this home

County Cork

Romantically situated on the edge of one of Ireland’s prettiest villages and overlooking Castlehaven bay. Winding down the Hydrangea lined avenue and many old Azeleas and specimen trees you arrive at the spacious Georgian family house full of history, Edith Somerville creations and stories.
With full days of adventure from the 2 private coves, in boats/kayaks or dingies, or just a relaxing time spent within the Drishane estate you will feel there is nothing more unique and Irish.

 

Grand Expectations in Lofty Rooms

Built around 1780 in classic Georgian style, Drishane House has been in the same family for nine generations.

Impressive double doors with fleur de lis strap hinges allow entrance to a baronial hall. And it’s newish – the front door was re-located here from the east wall in 1820.!
Original lancet panelling conceals a side door to the kitchen. Already the sense of history prevails. In one corner, there is a fine example of a masonic Worshipful Master’s chair – stories everywhere.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 11 guests
    From €6,000 per week
  • Bedrooms
    Three double bedrooms (two ensuite)
    One twin room (ensuite).
    -in annex-
    One double bedroom w/ seperate bathroom
    One kids room  w/ensuite
  • Other Rooms
    Entrance Lobby
    Sitting room, Living/Dining room,
    Kitchen with breakfast area with Patio,
    Pantry, Utility room
    Guest bathroom with shower
  • Features
    Central Heating
    Built in fireplaces in all main rooms.

    Full-size Aga in Kitchen
    Double Fridge Freezer

  • Contempo
    Flat screen TVs, DVD player,
    WiFi internet
    Extensive Library
    Filtered drinking water
    Good Cell phone reception
  • Availability
    Weekly/Biweekly: Saturday to Saturday
    Special Rates for Public Holiday 
    -See ‘Rates’ Below- 

A sweeping stair case, dominated by a soaring, arched, multi-light window, occupies the centre of the house. Interconnecting double doors link through to the original entrance foyer, with its dramatic fan-lit glazed portal spilling out onto the east lawn.

The classical dining room is august and formal; dressed with gilded ancestral portraits hanging mutely on rich wine walls. Swags above the curtained windows date from 1820, and yes, there’s still a chamber pot hidden behind the shutters – lest a gentleman get caught short.

Across the foyer, the generous and sunny drawing room is well populated with furniture, loose cover armchairs, and a vintage baby grand piano. Someone conveniently added French doors to the southern lawn at the start of the last century.

Some rooms still bear their 1830s wallpaper, including the anteroom and its octagonal study, which is cosy in scale with a wood-burning stove and flat screen TV…

The modern kitchen has been fitted out in light oak and has a gas hob and a raised electric oven to compliment the traditional four oven Aga. There is a full height fridge and a matching freezer, and a utility room for laundry and pantry requirements. A tight little secret stairs runs up to the west wing bedrooms.

Adjacent to the kitchen, the spacious breakfast room opens onto the garden patio – excellent for long al fresco luncheons.

Upstairs accommodation

consists of three generous double bedrooms, two with ensuite bathrooms, and two with romantic half-tester canopies above the beds.

There is also a south facing twin bedroom, with stunning sea views, that shares a contemporary family bathroom – complete with free standing claw foot bath.

A broad passage lined with books links the main house with more accommodation, including an impish kid’s bedroom with its own ample ensuite bathroom.

The acclaimed writer Edith Somerville lived in Drishane House for most of her life, and her legacy is to be found throughout the home, not least in her capacious bedroom with its ensuite on stilts.

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