Park your car at the Castlelyons Community Centre. This is a very interesting old village, (Caislean O Liathain) with many historical and archaeological features of note. Walk up the village towards Fermoy and take the first turn right at the Franciscan Abbey.

The Franciscan Abbey at Castlelyons was founded by John de Barry in 1307. The architectural style of the abbey is typically Franciscan and it is constructed mainly of limestone, which was readily available in the area as raw material.

According to medieval literature, soon after the Abbey was built, John de Barry handed over possession to his daughter, who was married to David the Earl of Barrymore. It fell into disrepair soon after the reformation when it was confiscated and never inhabited again.

Continue along this road for 2km, passing on your left a pretty thatched cottage. At the 'T' junction, turn right and at the next cross-roads (1 km) turn right.

Walk along this road for approximately 3km noting the very rich farmland which bounds this road on both sides. At the school in Castlelyons village, Stable Cross, turn right and proceed back up the village. On your left you will see the ruins of the old Barrymore Castle.

The Barrymore Castle at Castlelyons was built by William de Barry in 1204 and was the main residence of the Barry family until 1771. It was a stately house built on the ruins of the O'Liathain fortress.

It was square in plan with a central courtyard. It had a large hall on one side, opposite which was the kitchen which was watered by an aqueduct. Within the castle was a large Gallery in which were displayed the family portraits, including that of Richard the first Earl of Cork.

The Castle gardens were watered by a canal and also incorporated a deer-park.

Nothing now remains of the castle, save the arches upon which it once stood. It was burnt down in 1771 by accident.

According to sources, the fire started when two workmen left a hot soldering iron on some woodwork while repairing the roof.