Belvelly Castle, Co.Cork

On the Water's edge, guarding the narrow straight between Fota Island and Great Island, mediaeval Belvelly Castle is an imposing and well loved landmark at the entrance to Cork Harbour. Approached over the historic humpback bridge from Fota Ilsand, with its famous championship golf course and 5 star hotel, this beautiful fifteenth century tower house enjoys majestic views along the estuary and is at the same time supremely accessible from both Cork city centre and Cork International Airport. Indeed, the newly approved highway from Cork to Cobh will further add to the accessibility of Belvelly Castle.

The sale of Belvelly Castle represents a rare opportunity to own an ancient piece of the architectural heritage of Ireland. Recent restoration projects in the area most notably Jeremy Irons' stunning conversion of Kilcoe Castle and Duchas' immaculate restoration of Barryscourt together with Michael Flatley's Castle Hyde, highlight the possibilities of turning this extraordinary monument into a dream home or truly individual work or retail space. Moreover, such works have unearthed a vast raft of expertise in castle renovation in the Munster area. Included in the sale are architect's layout drawings to convert Belvelly Castle into a magnificent three bedroom private residence (subject to the necessary planning consent). The same architect is currently engaged in the restoration and conversion of nearby Cregg Castle in Fermoy.

Believed to have been built in the fifteenth century and set over four storeys, Belvelly Castle is a fabulous example of the Irish tower house. Whilst this formidable rectangular tower of approximately eighty feet retains many features of earliest, more explicitly defensive castles, it was designed as a lordly residence with an eye to rudimentary comfort. Owned by a number of families over the centuries, Belvelly Castle's most infamous lord must be the Elizabeth adventurer and soldier of fortune Sir Walter Raleigh.

Considering the age of the building it is in a good state of preservation and still one can enjoy the mullioned windows, remains of battlements, the murder hole, spiral staircase and a number of small rooms, recesses and garderobes within the thickness of its massive walls.

As a national monument and protected structure the restoration of Belvelly Castle is certainly an exciting and rewarding project to undertake and there are a number of grants available from local authorities and other bodies for such works. Rarely will you find this type of challenge or a building of such historic importance in a location of such beauty. The end result is a tantalizing prospect: a breath of life into a beautiful six hundred year old national monument that merely minutes from one of the most vibrant cities in Europe.