Baltimore Castle can be hired for a conference of up to 80 seated guests, a private party, or a wedding ceremony for up to 90 people in its Great Hall and viewing galleries. Larger weddings add a marquee in the garden. The castle, known in Irish as Dún na Séad, stands above the harbor of Baltimore, a fishing village on the coast of West Cork in the south of Ireland.
Seminars and company events
For companies, the Great Hall seats up to 80 people for a conference. The castle can arrange light refreshments for attendees and can recommend local caterers for lunch or dinner, local musicians for an evening, and activities in the area for a day out. A group that hires the castle has it to itself, which suits a leadership offsite, a client gathering or a small association meeting in a historic room with a sea view outside.
Weddings and receptions
The castle hosts wedding ceremonies in the Great Hall, with guests seated in the hall and its viewing galleries, up to 90 in total. Couples can book day hire for the ceremony, a drinks reception after it and use of the castle for photographs. For a bigger guest list, a marquee can go up in the garden. The castle works with wedding planners who know the area, and couples who cannot travel for a visit can ask for a virtual tour.
Private parties are also accepted, among them anniversaries, milestone birthdays and family reunions.
Rooms and capacities
The Great Hall is the main event room. It has two large open fireplaces and an oak ceiling, and seats up to 80 for a conference. With its viewing galleries it takes up to 90 for a ceremony. The garden can hold a marquee for additional guests.
Accommodation
There are no bedrooms in the castle. The village of Baltimore has plenty of accommodation, along with family-run bars and restaurants, so guests can stay within walking distance of the venue.
Catering
The castle does not run its own kitchen for events. It recommends local caterers for food and bar service, and arranges light refreshments for corporate groups.
History and setting
For centuries the castle was the administrative seat of the O'Driscoll chieftains, the clan that ruled this stretch of coast. The castle notes that the first written record of Irish people dancing describes a gathering in its Great Hall in 1413. The original fortress dates from the early 13th century and was restored in recent decades by its owners, who now open it to visitors and events. The hall keeps a rustic character, with stone walls, timber and open fires.
Getting there
Baltimore is about 90 minutes by road from Cork city and Cork Airport. There is no rail service in West Cork, so guests arrive by car or coach. Skibbereen is the nearest larger town, a short drive inland.
