Tiny Irish village with just 200 people is 'one of the most charming places in the country'

Castletownshend in Co Cork , the only village in the county to be included in The Guardian's guide to the most charming spots in Ireland , is only a 10-minute drive from one of West Cork's busiest towns.

But travelling to Castletownshend on a sunny day does feel like discovering a tranquil haven. After passing rows of leafy trees and the sprawling Liss Ard Estate, you arrive on a colourful hilltop that leads directly down to the Atlantic Ocean.

Along this road sits Castletownshend, home to around 196 people, although locals say this figure is actually far lower. Many visitors from cities like Dublin travel to the village during the summer months, when they can relax by the water after enjoying a delicious meal at Mary Ann's, a seafood restaurant, have a drink at Lil McCarthy's pub, or go for a swim at Sandycove Beach.

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Past Ireland's last working phone box and two sycamore trees that stand in the middle of the road, you'll find The Castle. This family-run boutique guesthouse has been home to 11 generations of the Townshend family, who first arrived in the village in the 1650.

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The original 17th-century house was constructed by Colonel Richard Townesend but it fell victim to an attack by the O'Driscolls in 1690. The ruins of this house still exist on the grounds where the newer castle was built and can be visited today.

But The Castle isn't the only place where you can delve into Castletownshend's past. A 200 year old church, St Barrahane's, is located nearby, perched atop 52 steps; one for each Sunday of the year.

Inside, you'll find three stone tablets telling the tales of the village's founding families, as well as a series of breathtaking stained glass windows crafted by Harry Clarke.

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Just outside the village, Knockdrum Fort, a megalithic ringfort, is a national monument offering stunning views of the sea. More archaeological history awaits at Drombeg Stone Circle, which is less than a 20-minute drive away.

The locals are a wealth of knowledge about the village's history. You'll see friendly neighbours greeting each other at every corner, exchanging local news and updates about the Castlehaven GAA team's schedule.

Be sure to stop by O'Donovans Shop - the village's only store - to learn more from Batt the shopkeeper, or pick up the regional newspaper and some homemade jam.

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Sailing and boating continue to be popular pastimes in the village, with secluded beaches appearing in the harbour at low tide. The nearby town of Baltimore, a well-known spot among the yachting community, is a favourite amongst locals, as is Union Hall, renowned throughout Ireland for its fish.

Despite its size, Castletownshend has attracted some famous visitors, including Bono , Lady Gaga and Graham Norton. And it's easy to see why; the village has successfully preserved not only its history but also its authenticity, tranquillity and, as The Guardian puts it, its unmistakable Irish charm.

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