durlas eile strong fort of eliogarty

Durlas Eile (strong fort of Eliogarty) , now anglicised to Thurles, sits astride the river Suir. Like Nenagh and Clonmel it owes its development to the Norman Butlers. Remains of two of their fortresses survive - the 15th century tower house guarding the bridge and, at the other end of the square and hidden behind shops, the one-time home of lady Thralls , mother of James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormond.