Blarney Castle owners lodge plans for outdoor swimming pool on estate grounds 

The Colthurst family has applied for permission to add a private outdoor pool and enclosure at Turret House on the Blarney Castle estate

Blarney Castle, Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

The owners of Blarney Castle have submitted a planning application to Cork City Council for a new private swimming pool on the estate.

Charles and Caroline Colthurst have sought permission to install an outdoor swimming pool spanning 12 metres at Turret House on the Blarney Castle Estate.

The development would also include a removable lightweight enclosure resembling a greenhouse, along with ancillary works.

The proposed plans involve work outside a structure located within an architectural conservation area.

In its submission, heritage conservation specialists said the "modest swimming pool" would be installed for health reasons and would not impact any nearby historical buildings.

They also said the visual impact of the pool would be negligible and would not affect the overall designed landscape of the surrounding area.

The development would include a pool area surrounded by a pool deck and patio to the rear of Turret House.

"Given its minimal visual and physical impact and its relatively easy reversibility, this proposal is thought to have a neutral impact on the historic area of the architectural conservation area and the setting of the protected structure," the submission said. 

Cork City Council is due to decide on the case by February 9, 2026.