Barryscourt Castle

Barryscourt Castle lies south of the town of Carrigtwohill, in County Cork in Ireland.

Barryscourt Castle was built in the late 15th century, most probably on the site of an earlier fortification, by the Anglo-Norman de Barry family who made it their principal seat. They had owned the site already since the 12th century. 

While the de Barry's lands in various parts of County Cork were divided amongst various branches of the family, Barryscourt remained in the possession of the most powerful branch, the Barrymores. The Barrymore line later became extinct in 1556 after which the castle passed to a distant cousin of the Barryroes line; James de Barry, 4th Viscount Buttevant.

The de Barrys supported the Desmond Rebellions of 1569 and 1579, and in 1581 they destroyed or severely damaged the family castles to prevent English forces from capturing them, including Barryscourt, which was threatened by an army led by Sir Walter Raleigh. Later the family was pardoned by Elizabeth I of England and they subsequently repaired the castle, adding a bawn with 3 corner towers.

In 1617 Barryscourt Castle ceased to be the main seat of the de Barry's when they moved to their castle at Castlelyons, but remained an important stronghold. In 1645, during the Irish Confederate Wars, the castle was successfully attacked by Lord Inchiquin. The castle's walls still show marks from the impact of cannonballs from that siege.

Later property of the castle passed to the Coppinger family. They built a new house next to the castle in 1716. The castle itself had fallen into disuse. The Coppinger house later disappeared and the castle fell to ruin. In the late 20th century the castle was restored and became a tourist spot.

Barryscourt Castle used to be open for free visits. Sadly enough it was already closed for the day when I came by. At the moment it has been closed already for several years for a restoration. Hopefully it will reopen soon.

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