Castle / Palace in County Cork
5 guests · 3 bedrooms
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About this castle / palace rental
Rincolisky Castle
Perched on the cliffs above Roaring Water Bay, Rinn Chùil Uisce Castle, known as Rincolisky Castle, is a historic monument built by the O’Driscoll clan in 1495. Across the water stands Kilcoe Castle, dating from around 1450 and built by Diarmaid McCarthy.
Before its restoration, which commenced in 2002, Rincolisky Castle was an ancient ruin consisting of four square walls, a basement entrance, a vaulted stone ceiling above, and a carved door on the first floor that could only be reached by climbing up the exterior wall. A walled-in stone staircase led to the severely damaged, grass-covered “roof.”
The renovation was completed in 2008. A newly constructed top room, with sliding glass windows, opens onto a flagstone terrace surrounded by stone walls and facing west. Guests who have stayed at the castle have consistently been amazed by the magnificent views stretching across the sea and the surrounding islands.
A Dialogue Between History and Contemporary Design
When restoring the castle, I wanted to create a dialogue between the historic and the contemporary, between luxury and rustic simplicity.
The eight-metre-long wooden beams in the basement originate from a French castle and are approximately 500 years old. The fireplace, floor tiles, long kitchen table and old church benches all have a historic European background.
Traditional castles have very small windows, so artificial lighting plays an important role in creating the atmosphere. The long Occhio light above the dining table is suspended from the ceiling on an eight-metre-long steel cable and was custom-made specifically for this space. Its warm light illuminates the large country kitchen and creates an inviting atmosphere in the evenings.
On colder evenings, the fireplace should be lit—particularly after a barbecue on the outdoor terrace by the sea when the temperature becomes too chilly to remain outside.
Sleeping & Living
The sleeping arrangements are deliberately rustic and reflect the character of the historic building.
The old garderobe now functions as a toilet for guests sleeping on these floors. The top room offers a very comfortable queen-size bed, a large sofa with a coffee table, an Art Deco desk and chair, and a small open fireplace for chilly nights. A shower room is located on the top floor.
The castle is heated geothermally, ensuring an even warmth throughout the building, with additional heat provided by the Aga stove in the kitchen.
There are two outdoor terraces, which should be used according to the prevailing wind and weather conditions.
The Setting
The uniqueness of Rincolisky lies not only in the castle itself but in its extraordinary rural setting overlooking the sea and the islands.
Here, untouched nature and complete tranquillity provide an opportunity to leave everyday routines behind and truly relax. There is a sauna beside the sea, and two stone staircases lead down to a small “beach” where swimming is possible at high tide.
Nature walks in the surrounding countryside and on Heir Island are possible even in rainy weather. A ferry can be booked from Cunamore Pier, which is within walking distance and also offers parking facilities. From here, guests can explore the surrounding area, including the nearby two-Michelin-star restaurant and Baltimore Castle.
Things to Know Before Booking
Rincolisky Castle is an authentic historic property full of character. Because of its architecture and location, however, it is important to understand that it is not a conventional holiday home.
Age suitability:
The castle is not suitable for young children or babies. We recommend stays for adults and teenagers aged 12 and over. Due to the steep and sometimes narrow stone staircases, we also do not recommend the property for guests over 70 years of age.
Staircases:
The property features high and steep stone staircases, as well as a mezzanine accessible by a spiral staircase. These may present difficulties or safety risks for younger guests and anyone with limited mobility.
Sleeping arrangements for children:
There is no dedicated children's bedroom. The sofa in the top-floor room is not intended to be used as a children's bed.
Rural location:
Rincolisky is a place for those who appreciate history, nature, tranquillity and an authentic sense of place—a castle where the rustic character of the past meets contemporary comfort, surrounded by the sea, islands and the silence of untouched nature.https://www.rincoliskycastle.com/
Private Wine & Dining
The castle is situated in a remote rural location, which is an essential part of its charm but also means that local shopping facilities are limited. We strongly recommend doing your grocery shopping before arriving, preferably at the local SuperValu supermarket in Skibbereen. There is also an option to order home cooking. Jamie Cassar, a private chef will come to the castle to cook for you :
https://www.winedinebyjg.uk/
I'll strongly recommend this especially on the first night of your stay. He will light the fire and cook a delicious meal for you next to a cosy fire.
Perched on the cliffs above Roaring Water Bay, Rinn Chùil Uisce Castle, known as Rincolisky Castle, is a historic monument built by the O’Driscoll clan in 1495. Across the water stands Kilcoe Castle, dating from around 1450 and built by Diarmaid McCarthy.
Before its restoration, which commenced in 2002, Rincolisky Castle was an ancient ruin consisting of four square walls, a basement entrance, a vaulted stone ceiling above, and a carved door on the first floor that could only be reached by climbing up the exterior wall. A walled-in stone staircase led to the severely damaged, grass-covered “roof.”
The renovation was completed in 2008. A newly constructed top room, with sliding glass windows, opens onto a flagstone terrace surrounded by stone walls and facing west. Guests who have stayed at the castle have consistently been amazed by the magnificent views stretching across the sea and the surrounding islands.
A Dialogue Between History and Contemporary Design
When restoring the castle, I wanted to create a dialogue between the historic and the contemporary, between luxury and rustic simplicity.
The eight-metre-long wooden beams in the basement originate from a French castle and are approximately 500 years old. The fireplace, floor tiles, long kitchen table and old church benches all have a historic European background.
Traditional castles have very small windows, so artificial lighting plays an important role in creating the atmosphere. The long Occhio light above the dining table is suspended from the ceiling on an eight-metre-long steel cable and was custom-made specifically for this space. Its warm light illuminates the large country kitchen and creates an inviting atmosphere in the evenings.
On colder evenings, the fireplace should be lit—particularly after a barbecue on the outdoor terrace by the sea when the temperature becomes too chilly to remain outside.
Sleeping & Living
The sleeping arrangements are deliberately rustic and reflect the character of the historic building.
The old garderobe now functions as a toilet for guests sleeping on these floors. The top room offers a very comfortable queen-size bed, a large sofa with a coffee table, an Art Deco desk and chair, and a small open fireplace for chilly nights. A shower room is located on the top floor.
The castle is heated geothermally, ensuring an even warmth throughout the building, with additional heat provided by the Aga stove in the kitchen.
There are two outdoor terraces, which should be used according to the prevailing wind and weather conditions.
The Setting
The uniqueness of Rincolisky lies not only in the castle itself but in its extraordinary rural setting overlooking the sea and the islands.
Here, untouched nature and complete tranquillity provide an opportunity to leave everyday routines behind and truly relax. There is a sauna beside the sea, and two stone staircases lead down to a small “beach” where swimming is possible at high tide.
Nature walks in the surrounding countryside and on Heir Island are possible even in rainy weather. A ferry can be booked from Cunamore Pier, which is within walking distance and also offers parking facilities. From here, guests can explore the surrounding area, including the nearby two-Michelin-star restaurant and Baltimore Castle.
Things to Know Before Booking
Rincolisky Castle is an authentic historic property full of character. Because of its architecture and location, however, it is important to understand that it is not a conventional holiday home.
Age suitability:
The castle is not suitable for young children or babies. We recommend stays for adults and teenagers aged 12 and over. Due to the steep and sometimes narrow stone staircases, we also do not recommend the property for guests over 70 years of age.
Staircases:
The property features high and steep stone staircases, as well as a mezzanine accessible by a spiral staircase. These may present difficulties or safety risks for younger guests and anyone with limited mobility.
Sleeping arrangements for children:
There is no dedicated children's bedroom. The sofa in the top-floor room is not intended to be used as a children's bed.
Rural location:
Rincolisky is a place for those who appreciate history, nature, tranquillity and an authentic sense of place—a castle where the rustic character of the past meets contemporary comfort, surrounded by the sea, islands and the silence of untouched nature.https://www.rincoliskycastle.com/
Private Wine & Dining
The castle is situated in a remote rural location, which is an essential part of its charm but also means that local shopping facilities are limited. We strongly recommend doing your grocery shopping before arriving, preferably at the local SuperValu supermarket in Skibbereen. There is also an option to order home cooking. Jamie Cassar, a private chef will come to the castle to cook for you :
https://www.winedinebyjg.uk/
I'll strongly recommend this especially on the first night of your stay. He will light the fire and cook a delicious meal for you next to a cosy fire.
Amenities at Romantic Castle at Roaring Water Bay in West Cork - Weekend special available
Non-smoking
No pets allowed
Family friendly
Map of County Cork
Ratings and reviews
10 / 10Outstanding·Jun 2026
My family and friends loved loved loved our 8 day stay at this 500 year old castle. It’s not a place for everyone but if you like getting the feel for what life was like back in the day, then this is the place for you. The view is magnificent and luckily the weather was gorgeous our whole time so we could enjoy the views.Yes, it’s a little less than sparkling clean but where else can one hear birds roosting in the walls? It’s rustic and the stairs up to the top stretch one’s legs.Stephanie our hostess was great and responded immediately with a couple of our questions.County Cork and the local Irish were part of this great experience and vacation of course.A
8 / 10Excellent·May 2026
Living even for a short time in a castle is a unique experience. It is just rustic enough to get a feel for castle life and just modern enough to make it comfortable.
The grounds are lush and the area is quiet. Otters were on the rocks down by the water at the bottom of the stairs at waters edge.
The top floor has an amazing view with lots of glass and a sheltered patio.
We had some concerns, but Stephanie was quick to respond.
My only criticism would be the bed on middle floor was uncomfortable, it is a futon and I’m sure furnishing a castle must be a challenge.
The wifi was perfect.
10 / 10Outstanding·May 2026
A once in lifetime opportunity to stay in a restored tower! The views were incredible and it was an experience we will never forget. Must be good at navigating steep and numerous stairs. We were comfortable and warm considering it's a stone castle, as the floor heating was nice.
6 / 10Average·Jul 2023
Cons first - Many stairs. Top floor is 25 steep steps up a low rock hall, which sounds cool but was a bit much. It was also VERY windy up there for the whole trip. This rattled the windows/ whistled. I ended up joining my kids in their “room”. My 7 year old son was barely old enough to safely stay here. I would NOT recommend this place to anyone with kids younger than age 7, or with any kid of physical limitations. There are stairs up from the main floor and also from the mezzanine up a spiral staircase. The mezzanine and “kids” room is open to the rest of the castle so is open to noise in the castle and wind. Very humid in the “kids room” as well, which is due to the dampness of the castle walls which are whitewashed (and flake on the counters and floors).
The place isn’t especially clean but I do imagine it’s hard to maintain due to the elements and white walls flaking. The bathroom on the top floor has drainage issues - I have been in many showers which are open to the room and they drain properly & this isn’t “normal”. The water pools on the floor and must be squeegeed down then wiped with towels.
Pros- private, neat fireplace and ability to cook (but bring your own dish soap/basic food items/dishwasher tabs). Had to ask for clean duvet cover and more kitchen towels but the owner was responsive & provided the requested items. The instructions were clear. The internet was pretty good. Liked having a bbq.
Overall- very unique experience/like camping in a castle.
$$$$
Top rated by guests
9.4Outstanding
(81 Ratings)
"My family and friends loved loved loved our 8 day stay at this 500 year old castle. It’s not a place for everyone but if you like getting the feel for what life was like back in the day, then this is ..."
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