castles historical around central enniscorthy ballycarney

When the Normans built a castle they built it to last. Enniscorthy Castle, in the centre of the town and overlooking the Slaney River, proves the point. Nearly 800 years after its construction, the huge castle is still in remarkable condition. Though restored and modernised in recent times many original features remain.

The three drum towers which flank the castle are classics of their kind. Down the centuries the castle had many owners, including the poet Edmund Spenser. It is said that...

The original castle was founded either by a Prendergast or, less likely, by a Rochford some time between 1232 and 1240. This castle was later repaired by the present structure, which probably uses the same ground plan as the older castle, and which was built by Sir Henry Wallop between 1586 and 1595. the poet Edmund Spenser held a lease of the castle for three days in 1581.

The castle has four storeys, and rounded turrets at the corner (one of which starts above ground). It now con...

Ferns Castle and Churches
Ferns Castle is a 13th century castle built by William de Valance built on the site of a much earlier castle. The 13th century castle was dismantled by Sir Charles Coote in 1641.The original castle was owned by King Dermot McMurrough. McMurrough's castle was destroyed by the O'Rourkes and the O'Connors.

In revenge, McMurrough gained the support of the Normans, led by Strongbow, who conquered them. Close to the Castle are the remains of an Augustini...