Castlemartyr

 

 

 

 

 

Castlemartyr, midway between Midleton and Youghal, is a charming estate village established in the 17th century by Sir Richard Boyle, the “Great” Earl of Cork. Castlemartyr replaces two mediaeval villages which Boyle demolished.

The Castlemartyr Wood with it's landscaped grounds, or it's neighbouring Lough Aderry, are pleasant stopping or picnic points. The castle saw tempestuous times - It was owned by the agent of the Earl of Desmond, and in 1581 the Earl of Ormond hung the agent's mother in sight of the walls. It's several subsequent owners included Sir Walter Raleigh, the notorious Richard Boyle and Murrough (nicknamed The Burner) O'Brien. It's difficult to imagine all that warfare in this peaceful place.

 

As you may already know, by reading the above paragraph, Castlemartyr is a Village with a great deal of historical interests. But as the village grows, by both population and services e.g. Castlemartyr Resort, Shops and Restaurants, it is becoming a village of the 21st Century. In the next number of years you will see alot more changes. New schools, new shops and more foreigners visiting the area than ever before.