The Rathbarry Shop and Post Office is a lovely stone building that was once part of the Castlefreke Estate. Why not call in to have your Wild Atlantic Way Passport stamped or “Ligh do Scith with a cup of tea”. Toilet facilities are at rear of building. Watch out for the peacocks!
The Cottage Museum (just behind the Post Office) is a quaint building that gives a clear insight into the lives of the local people and illustrates the life and events of Rathbarry’s past.
Mary Kennedy unveiled two plaques to commemorate the Gathering 2013 during a weekend of festivities in the parish of Ardfield/Rathbarry. One of these plaques is located on the stone wall at the shop. The other one is located in Ardfield.
Derived from the Irish word for “winnowing”(to separate chaff from grain). This cross roads is a well known meeting place. To mark the millennium a village centre piece was erected –a signpost in the form of upturned scythes and sheaves of corn.
(Now Private Residence) The Royal Irish Constabulary police force was stationed at Miltown (within Rathbarry village) for which a barrack was erected. It was burned to the ground on Easter Sunday 1921.
Dan O’Leary, born locally in Carrigroe was a world renowned distance walker and his outstanding achievements in contest distance walking events against time are remembered by this memorial plaque.
This local Rathbarry pub has a warm welcome for all visitors and locals alike.
Tobairín is derived from the Irish word for “Well”. Historically the local community would meet here several times a day while going about their daily chores. The Viewing Point commands superb views of the coastline, including the Galley Head lighthouse built in 1873 and to the West Toe Head and Mount Gabriel near Schull.
Built in different stages from the late 1700s to the mid 1800s. The stones in the wall were built upright by labourers while some were built flat by masons. The wall adjacent to St.Michael’s Church was possibly built in the 1840s.
Initiated by Lady Carbery in 1825 in a time when there was a worldwide revival in the art of lace making. The lace associated with Rathbarry was known as sprigging lace so called because it was shaped like a sprig or spray. See information inside on the history & restoration of the building and much more facts including the many awards won by the village.
Provided by Lady Carbery in the 1800s for the local community this well is located between the Sprigging School and St. Michaels Church. Originally there were steps over the river leading to the well. Now there is a footbridge for easy access.
Built in 1832 on a site given to Rev James Kelleher by Lord Carbery. Lord Carbery helped to roof the church on condition that the bell would not be erected as it would interfere with the bell on the estate. It was not until 1914 that the Catholic church got its own bell.
(Now a Private Residenc) This was a gatekeeper’s lodge serving Castlefreke Castle Lady Carbery would ring a bell in her carriage when she was approaching the gate to summon the gatekeeper to open it.
The Castle was built in late 1780’s as a rectangular building. In 1820 Sir Richard Morrison, who also designed the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin, transformed its character into an elegant castellated mansion for Lord Carbery.
(In Ruins) An old Roman Catholic parish church with its graveyard. Nearby Protestant church was erected in 1825 with the help of Lord Carbery. This protestant church was a handsome structure with a square tower. It was abandoned a century later when its congregation ceased to exist.
(Now a Private Residence) Imparted its name to the parish. Built in the 15th Century by Ranal Óg Barry and later occupied by the Frekes in the 17th Century. Sometimes the scene of conflict the Siege of Rathbarry took place in 1641 and lasted 239 days.
In 1902 A Celtic Cross was designed and erected by Mary, Lady Carbery in memory of her husband, the ninth Baron Carbery.
Having being cremated the cross is erected where his ashes rest. It is the largest memorial cross in Ireland; standing 30ft in height and placed on the summit of Croghna Hill. It is formed of three pieces of ‘white limestone marble’, the whole being about 14 tons in weight. The great cross of Carbery, exceeds in height and weight even the famous cross of Monasterboice, the originality and beauty of it’s design quite exceptional
Rathbarry and the surrounding area is rich with woodland walks and trails that lead to sandy beaches for sun and fun.
See the Overleaf Map for the designated tracks & trails and experience the magic and beauty of Rathbarry, Castlefreke, and the surround areas of beautiful West Cork.