After a wonderful morning in Blarney we decided to embark on our weekend getaway. Only 1 hour and 25 minutes away the famous kissed stone is a hidden coastal retreat we wanted to become more familiar with. This village is overlooked for the likes of Baltimore and Castletownbere, but Castletownhend is a sight to behold.
It was a work colleague that told me this is a must-see part of Ireland and mainly because of the unique accommodation. As you drive into the town via the winding country roads, you’ll notice what looks like a stone barricade in the middle of the main street. You drive past it to reach your destination. The Castle is at the end of the road just past the fantastic restaurant Mary Annes.
The Property
The Castle of Castletownshend is a restored Castle with 11 mesmeric rooms that transport you back in time. It’s located along the waterfront where you’ll see kayakers, fishermen and recreational sailors enjoying life in this quaint village. It’s amazing to see some small commercial fishermen pulling in some lobster pots from our bedroom window.
If you’d like a quiet, peaceful vacation Castletownhend has everything you’ll want when visiting Ireland. You’ll experience working village life, epic scenery and fresh air that will entice your every breath.
The Castle grounds stretch for over 1km where you can tour via a well laid out walking path. You’ll notice there’s a Crochet green, a pebble beach where we saw children skimming stones into the small harbour area and a Cafe to satisfy your appetite.
The Cafe
The Grey door to the Castle Cafe opened as we approached the building and at least ten smiling customers left referencing the delicious delicacies they had just devoured. We walked through the warm sunroom entrance to the cafe where a woman was enthralled in her weekend paper to see a welcoming waitress.
She escorted us to the seating area we chose and brought us menus that held an easy decision for me. I’m obsessed with Goatscheese so the Goatscheese and caramelised onion baguette was my obvious choice, Aileen (my fiancee), was pleasantly surprised that the ham and cheese baguette was home-cooked ham. The dishes didn’t last long before we tucked into some carrot cake and coffee before we checked in. You’ll definitely need to get the Carrot cake when you visit.
The Checkin
Full Stomachs, we left the cafe happy and peaceful as we went to the main entrance. A bell highlighted ‘press for attention’ was the first thing we noticed when entering. It wasn’t 10 seconds until the locked inner door was opened by a young women who at a guess was Eastern European. She was extremely polite and we were shown the reception and taken through the process.
The Honesty Bar was probably the best touch I’ve seen from the hospitality business. No immediate payments are required if you want a drink, simple leave a note of whatever beverage you take, and it will be added to your bill at the end. This highlighted to us how trusting and welcoming the Castle at Castletownhend truly is.
She took us through the standard stuff – breakfast is between 7.30 and 10.30. The WIFI labelled ‘Guest’ had no login or password required (45mb download if speed is an issue for someone potentially here on business) and checkout is at 11 am.
We were then escorted to the top of the Castle past antique swords, mounted stag heads and an impressive glass-encased library.
The Room
We chose the Archbishop room. A shezlong, leather sofa and an antique 4 poster bed are just some of the features that make your accommodation an experience you won’t forget. This was one of the higher-end rooms at €160 a night, but others start from €90.
We were in awe of the view from the room. Through the sash windows, you could see the sun beating off the water while seagulls watched over the aged fisherman hauling his catch back to shore.
Mary Annes Pub & Restaurant
The closest place to eat is Mary Annes Pub & Restaurant. A famous favourite for the area. You could see by the numerous food awards pasted all over the entrance that this was going to be good food.
It was a cosy pub with an intimate setting. There’s a warm feeling to the place. A small bar is the first thing you see with a happy gentleman ready to seat you, and I believe Fergus was his name. While he was pouring a glass of delicious Guinness, I could see a perfect seat under the television. Luckily enough, it wasn’t busy yet, and we got the choice of the room. I’d say it’s an excellent place to watch Munster Rugby on the weekends.
You should probably book ahead here. It’s not the biggest restaurant and seems to be very popular.
While we were checking out the menu the couple next to us helped us make a decision. We had the famous local crabcakes to start, the breaded haddock and a chocolate brownie to share.
It was probably the best meal I’ve had in a long time. Five star recommendation from both of us.
When the meal finished, we strutted downhill towards our Castle for the evening. Bellies full of good food and wine it was time to retire to our four-poster bed before we travelled further west.
Comfortable and peaceful. We both had an excellent sleep.
The Breakfast
A continental breakfast is available, and you can order from the menu as well. The full Irish is customary for me on a night away.
As I chowed down on my meal, Aileen told me to look behind me. There was a beautiful sheepdog at the door crouched down, staring at me. He (or she) melted my little heart. I immediately offered some bacon but he didn’t stir.
This good boy was trained to sit outside the breakfast room and not disturb the guests. He was friendly and didn’t bother anyone that walked past.
Ok, I know the owners may not be happy but I had to give him a tiny treat on the way out.
Thus, we ended our time in Castletownshend. We’re definitely going to go back at some point. If you want peace and traquility this is the place to go — a special hidden gem in West Cork.