Lismore Castle and Gardens

Richard Boyle, first earl of Cork, lived here for many years, and designed the gardens. Some of his children (including famous scientist Robert Boyle) were born in Lismore, the others were born in Youghal where Richard Boyle is buried. The grounds include an Ice House. Ice was created by diverting the river on to a flat piece of land and letting the water freeze. This was then placed in a huge cone in the ground. Salmon caught in the river were packed in ice and sent to markets in London. This was, of course, hundreds of years before electricity! The castle is still lived in and belongs to Boyle’s descendants - the present Duke of Devonshire. There are spectacular, panoramic views of the river Blackwater from the castle. The castle and grounds can be visited. There is a farmer's market weekly on the grounds .