This fascinating and beautifully located property opened for guests as a boutique B&B in 2016, offering a unique opportunity to stay in one of Ireland's most interesting historic houses.
Better still, following the opening of the café, you can just to drop in for a coffee or a light meal and this has transformed the atmosphere of the village, making it a livelier and more welcoming place.
Right down at the bottom of the steep hill in this picturesque village, the castle is quietly situated in a waterfront setting that is really stunning on a good day. It has been home to the Townshend family for many generations and the central part dates back to the mid 17th century; although the original castle was destroyed at around that time, the stone was re-used to build the two towers that distinguish the building today.
Standing in spacious grounds it faces southeast, overlooking the peaceful waterfront of Castletownshend harbour, and most of the rooms make the most of this pleasant aspect and have lovely sea views.
Much of the original furniture, portraits and oak panelling still remain so its character is intact, but the castle has undergone extensive refurbishment in recent years and this is most obvious in the guest rooms which are elegant and very comfortably furnished, wiith individually styled en-suite bathrooms.
The café is open daily in high summer, but also at weekends off-season - it is especially popular on Sundays in autumn and early winter, when a proper Sunday roast lunch is offered.
