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Location
near Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland
Description
Charleville Castle is situated in primordial oak woods near the Shannon River, 64 miles from Dublin, in the town of Tullamore.
The grey stone gothic castle is in the process of being restored. It comprises of the main building with spectacular ceilings and castellated towers, the former kitchen, stables and a small gothic chapel. The grounds extend out towards the oak woodland
Facilities
Some of the castles finest features can been seen by the public including the main entrance hall and staircase, the library and dining room with its William Morris stenciling.
The castle is also visited by those interested in paranormal activity from around the world.
History
The oak forest and lands were gifted by Queen Elizabeth I to Moore, Earl of Charleville in 1577. Due to the lack of male heirs in the Moore family the land was inherited by Charles William Bury who was the grand nephew of the last Earl just six months old. In 1797 Charles was made Baron Tullamore and employed architect Francis Johnston to design him a castle. The building commenced the following year and took the next fourteen before it was finished.
The estate grew to over 24,000 acres and again due to the lack of male heirs the estate passed to Lady Emily who took her husbands name Howard-Bury. Their son became one of Mallory's team in the first Everest summit attempt in 1921. Colonel Howard-Bury inherited the estate on the death of his mother but preferred to live in a smaller property and so left just a minimal staff to look after the castle. Upon his death in 1963 the castle was left uninhabited.
Restoration of the castle in started in 1971 and now a charitable trust runs the restoration project with the day to day running being managed by volunteers from all over the world.
The Arts
Charleville Castle has featured on Scariest Places on Earth, Ghost Hunters International and was used in the film Northanger Abbey and Becoming Jane in 2007.
Legends
The castle is said to be haunted by the youngest daughter of the 3rd Earl of Charleville called Harriett who died on the main staircase. She has allegedly been caught on camera and has been heard singing and laughing throughout the castle.
Other Castles in the Area
Ballycowan Castle, County Offaly
Belvedere House, County Westmeath
Birr Castle, County Offaly
Clonony Castle, County Offaly
Emo Court, County Laois
Kinnitty Castle, County Offaly
Leap Castle, County Offaly
Rock of Dunamase, County Laois
Tyrrellspass Castle, County Westmeath
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