Locations > Rathbarry

Rathbarry

Rathbarry is a tiny but beautifully kept village on the picturesque coastline between Clonakilty and Rosscarbery. Once the noble and beautiful residence of Lord Carbery and the Freke family whose descendants renounced the peerage in 1926, it is also known as Castlefreke after the nearby Gothic Mansion and Estate which is currently being rebuilt.

The story of Rathbarry is rich in historical lore and antiquarian remains. In its own way, it is the story of Ireland – its colourful past; haunting memories and its emergence into an age of modernisation. But Ireland has its own way of retaining that vital blend of past and present and Rathbarry is one of the finest examples. Situated in a sleepy hollow surrounded by mature woodlands, it consists of a pretty Church on a hill, a row of cut grey stone cottages which includes a Post Office, a smattering of pretty houses, an interesting crossroads and a ‘Sprigging School’. This is a tiny stone cottage built by the Carbery family and used to create much needed employment making embroidery during the Famine. The sense of community responsibility and pride is as strong today as it was then.

 The Post Office has a tiny local Museum with many interesting artefacts from days gone by and is run by the Postmistress Breda Hodnett. Breda is a force to be reckoned with and her boundless energies keep Rathbarry at the top of the list of pretty places in West Cork, despite its small size.

Rathbarry has won many environmental awards and been winner of the Cork County and regional Awards in the Tidy Towns Competition for the past three years. The surrounding area has many great locations as well, including the Castlefreke Estate woods, the fantastic and huge Long Strand beach with its high dunes, and Owenahincha beach which has some beautiful rock formations and is popular with surfers.

Altogether, a very dynamic and visually attractive location just outside the Town of Clonakilty which is well worth considering for a number of filming possibilities.

Distance from Cork: 1 hour 15 minutes 
GPS Co-Ordinates: N51˚34.361 W008˚57.733
Address: Rathbarry, Castlefreke, Clonakilty, Co Cork
Region: West Cork
Distance from Cork: 1 hour
Telephone: +353 2388 48138
Contact: Breda Hodnett