castles historical nenagh

The present massive tower, or donjon, was originally one of three towers interspersed in the curtain wall of a strong Norman castle which was also guarded by two semicircular towers and a gatehouse (parts of which remain to the south of the tower). The tower has 5 storeys, and the walls are up to 20 feet thick. A southern window-niche opening off the second floor has Romanesque decoration on the inside, while there is early Gothic decoration on a chimney piece in the floor above.

The...

Nenagh Castle
Nenagh Castle was built by Theobold Walter, a nephew of Thomas a Becket, the martyr. It became a residence of the Butler family, until they moved to Gowran, Kilkenny in the 14th century. It fell into the hands of the MacIlbrien family, until 1533 when Sir Piers Butler returned to reclaim it. But in 1548, the O'Carroll with his supporters, burned it. The Butlers did eventually regain their position as owners, but the castle was given to Lady Dingwall.

It w...