Ringrone castle ruin might make ideal tower house

A CASTLE site with six acres and probably more varied water views than any other Kinsale, Co Cork, setting is up for sale.

The ruins of Ringrone castle, a 12th century construction, are still a highly visible landmark from Kinsale harbour, by the bridge from the tourist town towards the Old Head of Kinsale, Garretstown, Ballinspittle and popular beaches.

The castle has been in steady decline over centuries, and just a solitary gable wall remains standing somewhat precariously - but it is not without hope, or hope value, according to Darren Cotter of Kinsale estate agents Joe Cotter.

He is selling a six acre plot around Ringrone castle, including the historic ruin itself, and says it could be rescued, stabilised and added on to create a tower house residence.

Two high profile successful renovations of castle homes have been completed in Co Cork recently, actor Jeremy Irons’ Kilcoe Castle in West Cork, and Cor Castle in Innishannon.

where its owner has a specialist business Lochplace Conservation specialising in restoration of historic properties and supply of appropriate building materials and skilled labour.

At Ringrone, both Cork County Council and the heritage body Duchas have been approached over the past two years by an individual who had been keen to buy Ringrone. A restoration and rebuilding could qualify for tax breaks under Section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act and used partially as a guesthouse with public access given at certain periods of the year.

No planning application was formally made on the property, and Darren Cotter says it is being offered for sale as is, not subject to planing permission and with a certain amount of hope value.

He seeks 395,000 for the six acres and ruin, and notes that it has water views in three directions, up the river Bandon, down river towards Kinsale and overlooking the bridge, and across the brow of the hill towards Sandycove and the sea.