KILKENNY CASTLE
Read moreStacked since the twelfth century, the beautiful gray stones of Kilkenny's vast castle draw a wide open U-shaped river. The castle was greatly modified in the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. Purchased by the powerful Butler family in 1391, he remained in the hands of their descendants until 1935.
We will stop at a long time in the so-called portrait gallery room, a long piece of 45 meters which ends on a triple Gothic window. The wooden ceiling will take your attention. It is painted in a prjorhaelite style (xixe), as shown by young women languishing on arches whose media ends at the head of animals (game and hawks) carved and gilded.
A glass, unusual and architecturally audacious, gives the room rare clarity, a free luminosity. Carrara marble fireplace is engraved with seven bas-reliefs illustrating the history of the Butler family (whose French motto was «As I find»). The Butlers held their fortune from their privileged situation of official «tasters», in charge of savoring the royal cup of wine first (and, as you can imagine, the advantages attached to it…).
The castle also houses the Butler Gallery, one of the most important art galleries outside Dublin. This contemporary art gallery program shows its exhibitions independently. Finally, the huge park around the castle will be the occasion for a pleasant walk or picnic. In summer it is open until 8:30 p. m.
KING JOHN'S CASTLE
Read moreKing John's Castle is one of the most impressive Anglo-Norman castles in Ireland. The exhibition centre presents the tormented history of the garrison and the inhabitants of the castle, from its construction in 1212 by King Jean. Paintings illustrate the evolution of the building from the th century to the present and tell the role of native Irish Celts, English, huguenots and palatins, at various periods of history. The exhibition includes a very astonishing series of six wooden sculptures, the real size of the people at the time, representing characters associated with the history of the castle. The front and rear facades of the exhibition centre have been adorned with immense armorial banners painted with medieval scenes and named King John. Archaeological remains, exposed in the basement, evoke Limerick's urban history at birth. A specially crafted film shows us the protagonists (played by actors) of the 1691 seats that result in the famous Limerick Treaty. King John, as the Lord of Ireland, was fighting his own currency. The royal slam hit the coins at the Castle's Coin Hotel. Today, visitors can obtain a replica of the original currency in memory of their visit. In the courtyard of the castle, where war machines and seat instruments are displayed, scroll away from costumed characters illustrating Limerick life in the th century.
ASHFORD CASTLE
A superb luxury hotel of international renown in Cong, once owned by the ...Read more
CASTLE DUNGEON
Remarkable castle, Ireland's most photographed, a charming16th-century ...Read more
DALKEY CASTLE & HERITAGE CENTRE
Visit this magnificent15th-century tower to immerse yourself in medieval ...Read more
BLARNEY CASTLE
Visit the castle, a beautiful15th-century building built into the rock, ...Read more
TRIM CASTLE
The largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, with a gatehouse, mint and ...Read more
BLACKROCK CASTLE OBSERVATORY
Cork's superb 16th-century castle, a historic site transformed into an ...Read more
CAHIR CASTLE
Imposing medieval castle overlooking the river Suir, with a keep, beautiful ...Read more
CASTLE MEDIUM
Read moreThe ruins of this Gothic revival-style castle, invaded by thick ferns, have a great deal of look. They would probably not have become as famous if they had not served as a cover for a U 2 album, The Unforgettable Fire, released in 1984. A pilgrimage place for all the fans…
MALAHIDE CASTLE & GARDENS
Remarkable castle, one of the oldest in Ireland, with sumptuous gardens, a ...Read more
DONEGAL CASTLE
Castle built in the 15thcentury on the banks of the River Eske, a former ...Read more
ARDGILLAN CASTLE & GARDENS
A superb castle in Gregorian and Victorian styles, with elegant rooms and a ...Read more
RUSSBOROUGH HOUSE
Remarkable18th-century Palladian-style castle with impressive collection of ...Read more
MALLOW CASTLE
Read moreRuins of a th century castle built by Desmond Fitzgerald.
LISMORE CASTLE ARTS
Superb château housing a contemporary art gallery and boasting superb ...Read more
MACROOM CASTLE
Ruins of an elegant13th-century castle, once owned by Admiral Sir William ...Read more
ORMOND CASTLE & ELIZABETHAN MANSION
Ruined castle opposite Elizabethan Manor House, one of Ireland's finest ...Read more
KNAPPOGUE CASTLE
Read moreIn 1467, Sean McNamara built the castle of Knappogue which was going to become, in 1571, the seat of the clan clan, counts of West Clancullen. Donagh McNamara was one of the instigators of the 1641 rebellion, and the castle was occupied by Cromwell troops. He was then given to Arthur Smith before returning to the McNamara later. They joined the Scott in 1800. Before handing over the castle to Lord Dunboyne in 1855, Scott had carried out extensive restoration work. Fortunately, matrimonial ties bind the Dunboyne to O'Brien, Rois kings, and to McNamara, counts of Clancullen. Lord Dunboyne rajouta in the building of many parties, including the inner courtyard, the belfry and the gardens surrounded by stone walls.
LEAMANEH CASTLE
Ruined castle with 15th-century tower, a former Mary Ruadh estate, to visit ...Read more