Dripsey Castle Estate is a medieval castle and Georgian Mansion set on a 110 acre estate bordered by the meandering Dripsey river and lake. The castle towers over the river and is visible from the road, while the Georgian mansion is completely hidden by mature trees.
Dripsey Castle was built by Cormac Láidir MacCárthaigh, one of the last high Chieftains of Ireland in 1450. At the time it would have been known as Carrignamuck Castle. It would have been a tower house of protection for nearby castles in the area such as Blarney Castle and Carrigodrohid Castles.
It stayed in the MacCárthaigh clan until the formidable Bowen-Colthurst families of Blarney Castle and Annesgrove Estate seized the lands and built the Georgian Mansion in 1740. The facade of the house is a beautiful example of Georgian architecture with its symmetrical windows and commanding entry way.
The house remained in the Bowen-Colthurst family until it was bought by the O’Shaughnessy family, who founded and ran the Dripsey Woolen Mills for a hundred years. Andrew O’Shaughnessy was an ingenious inventor of his day and his innovative hydroelectric turbines that powered the local mill also powered the house until very recently. The turbine is now being replaced with a state of the art model that is going to increase the output generation of the original turbine by 15 times. The entire estate runs off this clean, abundant renewable energy source.
The Georgian mansion has been renovated to exacting standards and includes eight bedrooms, all ensuite with spectacular bathrooms and furnishings. It is in two parts; the main 18th century house with 8 bedrooms all en-suite, a reception room, games room, library, professional kitchen and the early 20th century ballroom.
At the Estate, we are proactive in creating a sustainable future for ourselves and our locality while celebrating authentic and enriching Irish cultural experiences for guests by championing the best Irish food, art, music and culture.
