Mixed reaction to actor's peach castle

Actor Jeremy Irons has provoked a mixed reaction to his decision to paint his 15th century Co Cork castle a shade of peachy pink, it emerged today.

Mr Irons had received permission from Cork County Council to carry out extensive renovation work on Kilcoe Castle, near Ballydehob, which he shares with his actress wife Sinead Cusack.

He announced three years ago plans to spend £1m restoring the castle to its original glory.

But the colour chosen for the external walls, a mixture of limewash and sulphur, has raised a few eyebrows locally.

Mary Mackey, editor of the Mizen Historical Journal, said: "It is quite alarming. When I first saw it I was horrified.

"It was not what we had been expecting and when we discussed the castle with Mr Irons he made no mention of painting it."

Duchas, the Government’s heritage department, has said it is not opposed to the colour, which is expected to fade in time as it oxidises in the air.

The castle was the scene of a battle in 1603 when local clans made their last unsuccessful stand against the English.

Mr Irons also owns a property in nearby Skibbereen.