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Location
near Clomantagh, County Kilkenny, Ireland
Description
Clomantagh Castle is situated near Freshford, 8 miles north of Kilkenny in the centre of Ireland.
Clomantagh Castle is a 15th century tower house with a 19th century farmhouse and medieval dovecote; it is surrounded by defensive walls and within the grounds of a working farm.
The castle and house are linked on the ground and first floors, and what is thought to be the part of the wall belonging to the medieval banqueting hall can bee seen above the roofline of the farmhouse attached to the tower.
The lime washed Victorian farmhouse is now situated on the site where the banqueting hall originally stood. The only change made to the original building is the roofing material which was changed to slate from the original thatch.
Facilities
Clomantagh Castle is available as self catering accommodation sleeping 10 people in 5 bedrooms.
The castle site is particularly interesting because it has been restored to show both the tower in the medieval times of the 1430's, and the farmhouse in the 1800's.
The kitchen with is high ceilings and flagstone floor has a cooking range, farm dresser and large kitchen table typical of Irish county living of the period. The kitchen is linked to one of the bedrooms via a stone staircase and has an original cast iron four poster bed.
History
Clomantagh Castle was home to the Earl of Ormond, Pierce Ruadh. When he died in 1539 the castle along with other properties was passed to his son Richard Butler, first Viscount Mountgarret.
The castle and its estate stayed in the Butler family until it was forfeited during the war with Cromwell to Lieutenant Arthur St. George.
After the war the castle changed hands twice more and a farmhouse was added by the Shortall family; the owners in the 1800's, before its last owner Willie White a local vet. The property is now owned by a non profit making charity called the Landmark Trust who preserve historic buildings.
Other Castles in the Area
Ballybur Castle, County Kilkenny
Ballynahow Castle, County Tipperary
Ballyragget Castle, County Kilkenny
Burnchurch Castle, County Kilkenny
Castle Durrow, County Laois
Clara Castle, County Kilkenny
Dysart Castle, County Kilkenny
Foulksrath Castle, County Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle, County Kilkenny
Lisheen Castle, County Tipperary
Loughmore Castle, County Tipperary
Milltown St John Castle, County Tipperary
Roscrea Castle, County Tipperary
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