butler castle

The well preserved tower and bawn in the town is the Butler Castle. In the 16th century the castle was the principal seat of this vibrant Norman-Irish family of far ranging and far reaching connections. The 3rd Viscount was President of the Supreme Council of the Confederation of Kilkenny. The castle remained in Butler possession until 1788 when it passed to the MacMurrough Kavanaghs of Borris Castle.

During the rebellion of 1798 it was utilised as a British army base. The Archbishop of Cashel the author of the well known Butler Catechism, Most Rev. Dr. James Butler (1742-91), was born here.