Dún na Séad Castle — Attraction in West Cork

This is an amazing place historically speaking. It's hard to believe when you enter this space that it was constructed in 1215 by the descendents of Robert Fitzstephen (macSleimhne). Fitzstephen himself was reported to have landed in Ireland with Strongbow in 1169. That's how old this place is! After the Battle of Callan in 1261, the norman settlers were ousted by Irish clans and sometime after that the O'Driscoll family reclaimed their former lands and for the next 100 years, that is where the family resided. It was used during that period for the collection of taxes from foreign traders passing through the port. Perhaps that's where the name Dun na Sead comes from, which translates as "fort of the jewels". The collection of these taxes afforded the O'Driscolls a lavish lifestyle, so much so that excavations have found pottery from regions of France, which highlights the regions strong trading links with Europe. Unfortunately in 1601, the fortune of the O'Driscolls took a turn for the worse when they allied themselves with the Spanish during the ill fated Armada. The defeat of the Spanish at Kinsale resulted in the British Crown seizing the castle. The castle's history also records the sack of Baltimore by Algerian pirates! Over 100 men and women were taken in the middle of the night to be sold as slaves in North African markets where they would have spent the rest if their days as galley slaves rowing or as concubines in the harems of Algiers. Soon after, the inauspicious arrival of Oliver Cromwell happened in 1649. The castle became a garrison for his murderous troops. It has been rumoured that he kept the troops in a constant state of war to ensure they would not become idle and difficult to manage. After Cromwell left, the castle entered a state of disrepair and it wasn't until 1997, when John and Bernie McCarthy restored the castle to its former glory. Sticking closely to the original plans, the castle became inhabited again - the first time since the middle of the 17th Century! The castle now welcomes visitors and although it may not house a museum of artifacts, just to stand in the building provides an awe inspiring sense of history. The restoration restored the original battlements and tourists can now look over the harbour as one might have since almost 1000 years ago. It's hard to imagine. My visit was one in a professional capacity as a musician to play Irish music. How lucky is that, at a place where one of the first recorded instances of dancing is recorded in Irish history! A must visit if you are in Baltimore and have any inclination to taste the history...

A Hidden Gem in Baltimore: O’Driscoll Castle Exhibition

We were absolutely blown away by our recent visit to the O’Driscoll Castle in Baltimore, County Cork. This remarkable site offers not just a glimpse into the rich and fascinating history of the O’Driscoll clan, but also an exhibition that is beautifully curated, informative, and deeply engaging. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the stories of Ireland’s coastal castles, this is an experience that truly stays with you.

What makes it all the more special is the fact that this is a family-run business, and you can feel the love and care that’s gone into every detail. The warm welcome we received, the thoughtful design of the exhibition, and the personal touch throughout all made us want to stay longer — and we did!

A particular highlight is the coffee dock, which is much more than just a place to grab a coffee. It’s a stunning little haven with beautiful sitting areas, where you can relax, chat, and soak up the atmosphere. The fact that they offer plant-based options shows a real awareness and inclusivity, catering to visitors of all dietary backgrounds — something we truly appreciated.

And then there’s the view. Words can’t quite do it justice. Looking out over the wild Atlantic, with the rugged beauty of West Cork all around, it’s simply breathtaking. We found ourselves just sitting and staring — it’s that beautiful.

This is more than just a stop on a tourist trail. It’s an authentic, thoughtful, and truly special place that deserves to be shouted about. If you’re anywhere near Baltimore, make sure you put the O’Driscoll Castle Exhibition at the top of your list. You won’t regret...

This review is about sustainability only!

I am so grateful to have found this sweet space to grab a coffee in Baltimore, and not have to create any plastic trash in the meantime.

By 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. And over 95% of the plastic that we intentionally recycle does not actually get recycled. But rather ends up in landfills, burned in incinerators, or discarded in into our oceans. These plastics breakdown into micro plastics, which are now being found regularly in the human body.

It means a lot to me to be able to support a business that offers the dignity of a reusable cup, so that I can enjoy my beverage on the premises without any guilt in harming the surrounding ecosystems. Especially in a waterfront town, such as yours, it just makes sense to help customers do better by their surroundings That they come to visit and learn from.

Thank you again. And of course, I also really appreciated seeing the designated pollinator spaces on the property. Such beautiful gardens, and such a wonderful way to re-wild in service of the pollinators that we depend on.

Kudos to you! I will...