Walled Garden
Enjoy in the peace and tranquillity of our exquisite Walled Garden.
Arboretum and Woodland Maze
In the past fifteen years we have planted thousands of trees and invite you to explore the Castle Maze following natural pathways through fifteen acres of woodland now containing an exciting variety of both native Irish and more exotic trees.
Angling
Guests are welcome to avail of our private river run flowing through the estate and fly fish the brown trout or angle for salmon.
Nature Reserve
The grounds of the Castle are a protected Nature Reserve being home to a vast array of wildlife including the peregrine falcon, game, otters and endangered species such as the Red Squirrel.
River Walks
The River Awbeg flows through the Castle grounds and guests are welcome to explore both sides of the valley.
Guided Tours
Tours of the Castle and grounds are available on request.
Architecture and History
The history of Blackwater Castle dates from the eight century but evidence suggests it may have been occupied in the Stone Age.
During the Iron Age the fort of Dun Cruadha was established on the current site of the Castle and the Castle itself is now a history lovers delight as the old Castle fortifications are still visible around the grounds of the Castle.
The oldest remaining section of the Castle, the Chapel and Tower, dates from the Twelfth Century.
The prominent Tower on the West side of the Castle is a fine example of Norman architecture as it is still structurally intact throughout and offers magnificent views of the surrounding valley from the rooftop.
The Tower is now home to a Sheela na Gig, a rare sacred symbol of a female figure believed to date from the Eight Century. The Castle grounds also host an ancient Holy Well, the Well of Saint Patrick, which is said to be imbued with magical properties.
LOCAL AMENITIES
Blackwater Castle is located in the picturesque village of Castletownroche which has two churches, (St Mary's Catholic Church and St. Mary's Church of Ireland the latter being of particular architectural importance as it was designed in the 19th Century by the renowned Paine brothers and erected in 1825), two restaurants, five pubs, two petrol stations, a supermarket, a pharmacy, a post office, and a Dinosaur Museum. There are many wonderful amenities located in the area including Bridgetown Priory, Doneraile Park, Annesgrove Gardens, Ballyhoura Mountain Park (ideal for hikers, mountain bikers, and adventure sports enthusiasts) while extensive walking trails have been developed in the area to suit all levels of ability. Golfers are well catered for with a diverse range of courses in the area. North Cork is an important inland fishing centre internationally renowned as an ideal location for trout, salmon and coarse fishing in the rivers Awbeg, Blackwater, Funcheon and Bride. The seaside resorts of Youghal and Ardmore are just about 40 minutes drive away.
Mitchelstown Caves and Fota Wildlife Park are also easily accessible as is Leahy's Open Farm in Midleton.
There is also a rich archaeological and architectural heritage in the area from the Megalithic Tomb near Fermoy to castles located in nearby Ballyhooly, Blarney, Castlelyons, Conna, Cregg, and Lismore including the fairytale like folly on the "Towers" walk near Lismore which will delight adults and children alike.
Motor bikers are welcome and we will be happy to advise on route planning, help with repairs from our fully equipped garage, or indeed to arrange guided motorcycle tours.
Shoppers are well catered for with the small towns of Mallow and Fermoy within eight miles while the nearby Glanworth Mills offers exclusive furniture and household furnishings for sale in the converted Mill.
Blackwater Castle lies on the border between the Blackwater Valley Region and the Ballyhoura Region so all amenities of both regions are a short distance away. See the following links for further details.
www.ballyhouracountry.com
www.blackwatervalley.ie
www.blackwatervalleywalks.com
www.cork-guide.ie/corkgolf.htm
www.dinocafe.com
www.tipp.ie/placesofinterest/mitchelstowncaves/mitchelstoencaves.htm
www.fotawildlife.ie
www.leahysopenfarm.ie
