Carriganass Castle, just a few miles from Primrose Cottage, is a wonderful monument to one of the most exciting phases in Irish history.
The castle was owned by the O’Sullivan Bere clan, and Donal Cam O’Sullivan Bere led his followers past its gates on his flight from West Cork on the road to Leitrim.
His journey – now being turned into a major walking route as part of the Beara-Breifne way- took him on to Leitrim, and he went on to flee Ireland with other Gaelic chieftans in a historical journey that became known as ‘the Flight of the Earls.’
The castle was neglected for many years, but, since the millienium, it’s ruins have been painstakingly repaired by members of the local community. It’s last remaining tower is an imposing presence on the road to Macroom, and it’s well worth stopping to explore further. The views across the Ouvane river are breathtaking, and there are a number of lovely picnic areas here which make lovely places to stop for a picnic.
The castle is the starting point for a number of local walking routes, and the Riverside Coffee Shop, which offers views over the castle, is a great place to stop for soups, sandwiches, tea, coffee and cakes.
