nenagh castle

Nenagh Castle
Nenagh Castle was built by Theobold Walter, a nephew of Thomas a Becket, the martyr. It became a residence of the Butler family, until they moved to Gowran, Kilkenny in the 14th century. It fell into the hands of the MacIlbrien family, until 1533 when Sir Piers Butler returned to reclaim it. But in 1548, the O'Carroll with his supporters, burned it. The Butlers did eventually regain their position as owners, but the castle was given to Lady Dingwall.

It was captured by Cromwell and changed ownership a few times, until the Restoration. It changed hands after the Williamite wars, being taken by O'Carroll and then Ginkel. A hole was blown in the wall in 1760, by a farmer, who put gunpowder on the top of it to frighten birds away from his crops. The most distinguishing feature of this castle is the 100 foot tower, which has five storeys and the walls are 20 feet thick. It is the suriviving tower of the original three.