High above the River Blackwater, this turreted castle dates from 1185, when Prince John of England built a similar fortress on this site. Local lore says that Lismore Castle was once granted to Sir Walter Raleigh for IR£12 a year, although he never occupied it. One man who did live here was Richard Boyle, the first earl of Cork. He rebuilt the castle, including the thick defensive walls that still surround the garden, in 1626, but most of the present structure was rebuilt in the mid-19th century. You're free to wander the 3,200-hectare (7,904-acre) estate of gardens, forests, and farmland, but not the castle itself. It is the Irish seat of the duke and duchess of Devonshire, who won't let the general public in, though they're not above being entrepreneurs. In fact, if you've got the money, you can see it all, since the castle can be rented, complete with the duke's personal staff, to private groups for a minimum of €31,500 per week for up to 12 guests, during June through August. Included in the price are dinners, afternoon teas, and silver-service breakfasts. For booking information call tel. 058/54424 in Ireland, or if calling from another country, 011/353 5854 424. (although, frankly, if you can afford that price, you've probably got a castle of your own).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
