Standing proudly on the Mullaghmore, Classiebawn Castle is a magnificent fortress with a rich history and a commanding presence. Its swoon-worthy silhouette, overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean, made it the perfect set for shooting 4 seasons of the famous Netflix show – The Crown. Admire this castle from afar as the beautiful estate tempts the explorer within you, captivating you with its mysterious tales and breathtaking landscape.
| Location | County Sligo, Republic of Ireland (Google Map Location) |
| Open for Visitors | No |
| Owned by | Mountbatten Family |
| Rooms Available | No |
History Of Classiebawn Castle
The land upon which the castle was built was confiscated by the English Parliament and then granted to Sir John Temple, Master of the Rolls. When the land was passed down to the Third Viscount Palmerston, he was the British Prime Minister during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Palmerston started work on the castle but couldn’t complete it before his death. Since he was childless, the estate was passed down to his nephew, The Hon. Evelyn Ashley. He was an absentee owner; however, it finally livened up when his daughter married Lord Mountbatten.
Soon after, Lord Mountbatten was assassinated in a bomb explosion on his boat by the IRA. The blast sounds were heard all over the Irish village of Mullaghmore as the horror spread.
It is believed that the ghost of Mountbatten returned to his safe home after his tragic death to seek the one place where he always received a warm welcome; to this day, the locals believe that his soul lingers in the Classiebawn Castle.
Design and Architecture
The architectural marvel was erected in the Baronial style, with the expert guidance of the renowned architect J. Rawson Carrol from Dublin. The construction material of choice was a stunning yellow-brown sandstone transported via sea from County Donegal exclusively for this very purpose. To ensure the castle remained self-sufficient, the roof was connected to an underground water tank, allowing rainwater conservation. The central tower stands tall and proud and has a gabled range, and is crowned with a conical-roofed turret fittingly to the castle’s grandeur. In its early days, oil lamps and candles were the primary lighting sources. The Mountbatten family later decided to upgrade the castle with the latest amenities, such as electricity and water mains.
Interesting Facts About Classiebawn Castle
- Classiebawn Castle’s rich history and captivating ambience have made it a popular destination for filmmakers. It has served as a filming location for movies and television series, adding to its cultural significance.
- Today, Classiebawn Castle remains a private residence and is not open to the public. However, visitors can still admire its stunning architecture and the natural beauty of its surroundings from a distance
- Despite its private nature, the castle continues to intrigue and fascinate visitors who appreciate its architectural splendour, its association with Lord Mountbatten, and the mystical allure of its coastal setting.
Places to Stay Near Classiebawn Castle
- Yeats Country Hotel, Spa & Leisure Club: Located in Rosses Point, a short drive from Classiebawn Castle, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, a spa, and leisure facilities.
- Strandhill Lodge and Suites: Situated in Strandhill, a nearby coastal village, this modern hotel provides comfortable accommodations and is known for its proximity to the beach. It’s a short drive away from Classiebawn Castle.
FAQs
1. Where is Classiebawn Castle located?
Classiebawn Castle is located in Mullaghmore, a village in County Sligo, in the Republic of Ireland. The castle is situated on the western side of Mullaghmore, near the village centre.
2. Who owns the Classiebawn Castle?
Classiebawn Castle is owned by the Mountbatten family. The castle was originally built for the 3rd Viscount Mountbatten of Burma, Louis Mountbatten, in the early 19th century. After Lord Mountbatten’s tragic death in 1979, the castle’s ownership was passed on to his eldest daughter, Lady Patricia Mountbatten.
Have you visited this castle before? If yes, why not share some beautiful pictures with us!
You can email us your pictures of the castle at castrumtocastle@gmail.com. Please use the name of the castle in the subject line.
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Saurabh Sharma
Meet Saurabh Sharma, a tech pro with a master's from Latvia's Riga Technical University. He's great with computers, focusing on Cloud Computing and DevOps. But here's the cool part – Saurabh has traveled to places like Nordic, Baltic, and other parts of Europe. And guess what? He's into European history, monuments, castles, and museums. Whether he's coding or exploring, he's always curious, showing a love for different places and histories.
