Ballycarbery Castle, Caherciveen

Ballycarberry castle is located in an area know as "over the water" by the locals in Cahirciveen. Please see our interactive sights map for specific location and directions. If you prefer the more traditional approach, find the old barracks in Cahirciveen, located down by the waters edge, with the barracks on your right hand side continue over the bridge immediately ahead, at the next crossroads take a left and follow the signposts for the castle, it is approximately two miles on the left. Also well worth visiting in this area are the stone forts of Leacanabualie & Cahegral.

Situated near the waters edge you will see the remains of Ballycarbery Castle. This impressive looking castle with its ivy covered tower house was once home to the McCathy Clan and built sometime in the 15th century. It is probably the largest and most impressive castle built on the peninsula of Iveragh and is still very impressive from a distance.

Though listed on the County’s historical buildings list this is as far as the powers that be have gone to preserve this fine building. You will not find any gates or signs or paths into the castle and as the state has forgotten about it, entrance is free. You may however be a little disappointed when you see the poor state of repair the castle is in when you stroll around the ruins, care and attention are advised. An alternative to walking around the castle is to take you photos from the roadside and maintain your romantic impressions of this castle, you will however miss out on some of the best views of Cahersiveen if you do this.