Ballycarbery Castle: A Coastal Ruin

3.9 (287)

Explore the historic ruins of Ballycarbery Castle near Cahersiveen, offering a glimpse into Ireland's past along the scenic Ring of Kerry.

Home
Ireland
County Kerry
Ballycarbery Castle

Ballycarbery Castle, a striking ruin near Cahersiveen in County Kerry, stands as a testament to 16th-century Irish architecture and history. Overlooking the Atlantic, this ivy-clad structure offers a glimpse into the past, though it's now admired from a distance due to safety concerns.

A brief summary to Ballycarbery Castle

WPXR+P6, Bosses Point, Ballycarbery East, Co. Kerry, IE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ballycarbery Castle.

Take photos from the roadside or parking area to capture the castle's beauty without needing to enter the private property.
Visit nearby attractions like Cahergall Stone Fort and Leacanabuaile Stone Fort, easily accessible from Ballycarbery Castle.
Check out the views from Ballycarbery Beach, especially impressive at high tide.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Getting There

Driving

From Cahersiveen, follow signs for Ballycarbery Castle, which is located approximately 3km (2 miles) west of town. Drive past the town library and Cahersiveen Castle (Old Barracks) on your right. Cross the bridge and continue to a crossroads, turning left. At the Y in the road, keep left; the parking area is 100m (328ft) on the left. Parking is free.
Public Transport

Take the Local Link Kerry bus from Killarney or other nearby towns to Coláiste na Sceilge. From there, it's approximately 3km (2 miles) to Ballycarbery Castle. Consider walking or taking a short taxi ride to the castle from the bus stop. A single bus fare will vary depending on the origin, but expect to pay around €5-€10.

Discover more about Ballycarbery Castle

Ballycarbery Castle, located approximately 3 kilometers (2 miles) west of Cahersiveen in County Kerry, is a captivating ruin with a rich history. Situated on a grassy hill, it faces the sea, offering scenic views of the Atlantic coastline. The castle's origins trace back to the 16th century, with some evidence suggesting a residence existed on the site as early as 1398. It was once considered one of the largest and most impressive castles on the Iveragh Peninsula. Originally a McCarthy Mor castle, it may have been occupied by the O'Connells, who served as McCarthy wardens. In 1596, it was passed to Sir Valentine Browne. The castle faced attack by cannon fire from Parliamentary forces in 1652 during the War of the Three Kingdoms, leading to significant damage. In the 18th century, a house was built incorporating the castle's barn wall, inhabited by the Lauder family, but it was later demolished in the early 20th century. Today, Ballycarbery Castle is a picturesque ruin, with significant portions of its high surrounding wall still standing, featuring arrow slits. The interior reveals chambers and staircases, though access to some areas is restricted. While visitors once had access to the castle grounds, it is now situated on private land, and public access is limited due to safety reasons. Visitors can still view the castle from a designated parking area about 100 meters away.