Baltimore Castle

www.baltimorecastle.ie Baltimore Castle, known as Dun na Sead castle, was built in 1215 by an Anglo-Norman, Sleynie. It became the chief residence of the O' Driscoll clan for 300 years and was the centre of administration for their trading and piratical activities. In 1631 the castle narrowly escaped attack by a band of pirates from Algiers, who landed in Baltimore and took 107 captives to a life of slavery in North Africa. In 1649 it became a garrision for Cromwellian troops, after which it declined into a state of ruin. In 1997 the extensive task of restoration began, which restored the castle to its former splendour.t