Belvelly Castle, Cobh

Belvelly Castle is a 14th or 15th-century tower house in County Cork, Ireland. It is situated next to the small village of Belvelly, opposite and overlooking the only road bridge connecting Fota Island to Great Island (on which the town of Cobh is situated). The castle was originally built by and for the Anglo-Norman Hodnett family, but was taken by the De la Roch (Roche) and De Barra (Barry) families in the 14th century. The Hodnetts later however leased-back their lands. Some sources suggest that Walter Raleigh occupied the castle in the 16th century, before being reoccupied by the De Barra family, and used by Roger Boyle, 1st Earl of Orrery to garrison troops during the Irish Confederate Wars in the mid-17th century. By the 19th century the castle had fallen into ruin. During World War I, the castle received an increase in visitors when local coachmen brought sailors docked at nearby Queenstown (Cobh) to the castle - reputedly under the impression that they were actually visiting Blarney Castle and its Blarney Stone. The castle was occupied and somewhat modified by the Irish Army during the Emergency (1939-1945). The castle was sold in the early 21st century, with planning permission granted in early 2016 for restoration for use as a private dwelling. This redevelopment was completed in late 2018, with additional artworks positioned on the roof of the tower house. The castle's owners are among the sponsors of local football club Cobh Ramblers FC.

The castle was built by the Anglo-Norman Hodnett family in the 14th century. It’s a 5-storey square tower built on the riverbank. At the time, the tower was used to monitor the comings and goings of ships approaching Cobh. Opposite is Fota Island, famous for its zoo. Historically speaking, the château has been in the hands of many successive families. It was taken by the De la Roch and De Barra families. Some sources suggest that Walter Raleigh also occupied the castle in the 16th century, before it was reoccupied by the De Barra family, and used by Roger Boyle, 1st Earl of Orrery to manage troops during the Irish Confederate Wars in the mid-17th century. Unfortunately, the castle fell into ruin over the centuries, and was then abandoned. It was nevertheless occupied and somewhat modified by the Irish army during the Second World War (1939-1945). It served as a defensive surveillance post. Today, Belvelly Castle has been bought and renovated by a private owner. The work was completed in 2018 and the result is stunning. The building is now used as a private dwelling, making it impossible to visit it from the inside. However, don’t be too disappointed: the site can still be admired from the outside. Don’t hesitate to visit: the view from the outside alone is enough to counterbalance the frustration!

The castle was initially built by the Anglo-Norman Hodnett Family. They were an ambitious family who arrived in Ireland in the twelfth-century. During the reign of Henry III, the Hodnett and de Barry families were in conflict with each over their properties in and around Cork. Perched majestically at the gateway to The Great Island, Belvelly Castle has been a keeper of this coastal gem for centuries. Built in the 13th Century, it has witnessed and survived Medieval battles, played its part in Irish history and been a beacon for emigrants as they crossed Belvelly bridge saying goodbye to Ireland for the final time. Steeped in history and folklore, this local landmark slowly fell victim to age and decay. But with all great buildings, the castle chose a new custodian, many had come before, but not been up to the challenge it laid out before them. A unique set of skills and determination were needed and the castle found those in Anne and Garry Wilson. Their desire and passion to do right by this castle meant they enlisted a community of craftsmen and stonemasons to combine skills from the 13th Century and modern technology to ensure that Belvelly Castle and it’s newest resident, the Thinking Man, would watch over the bridge for many centuries to come. Now a unique private family residence the Castle at Belvelly is a testament to its current custodians, its original builders and the community that helped to return it to its former glory. It thrives in being part of that community, hosting Arts and Charity events and continues to be the keeper of The Great Island. ***PH***