Local Historic Sites

Cahir Castle

Cahir Castle is one of the largest and best preserved castles in Ireland. It was one if Ireland’s best known tourist attractions. Cahir Castle was built originally in the 13th century on a site of an earlier native fortification called a cathair (stone fort), which gave its name to the place.

http://www.cahirtourism.ie/tourist/cahircastle.htm

Proximity to Lisheen Castle: 30 mins.

Holy Cross Abbey

Outside Thurles is the Holy Cross Abbey (located in the village of Holycross), which was founded in 1169 by the King of Thomond of the Cistercian monks. A relic of the true cross owned by the king was given to the abbey. Founded originally in 1168 for Benedictines by the King of Munster, Donal O Brien, the abbey was transferred to the Cistercians about 1182. A particle of the True Cross was enshrined in the abbey, and Holycross became one of the most frequented places of pilgrimage in Ireland. Suppressed in 1536, the abbey was made over in 1563 to the Earl of Ormonde, but through the protection of the Butler Family the monks remained at Holycross until the 17th century.

http://www.holycrossabbey.ie/

Proximity to Lisheen Castle: 20 mins.

Kilkenny Castle

One of the most instantly recognised buildings in Ireland, Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since Strongbow constructed the first castle, probably a wooden structure, in the 12th century. William the Earl Marshall built the first stone castle on the site, which was completed in 1213. This was a square-shaped castle with towers at each corner; three of these original four towers survive to this day

Kilkenny Castle stands dramatically on a strategic height that commands a crossing on the River Nore and dominates the ‘High Town’ of Kilkenny City. Over the eight centuries of its existence, many additions and alterations have been made to the fabric of the building, making Kilkenny Castle today a complex structure of various architectural styles. The original Anglo-Norman stone castle was built for William Marshal, 4th Earl of Pembroke (c.1146-1219) during the first decade of the thirteenth century. Kilkenny Castle later became the principal Irish residence of the powerful Butler family for almost 600 years. The Butler ownership began when James (c.1360-1405), 3rd Earl of Ormond, purchased the castle in c.1391, and lasted until 1967 when Arthur, 6th Marquess of Ormonde (1893-1971), presented it to the people of Kilkenny in return for a token payment of £50. The buildings have been in the care of the Office of Public Works since 1969, and many important programmes of archaeological excavation, conservation, and restoration have been carried out there.

http://www.kilkennycastle.ie/en/

http://www.kilkenny.ie/eng/

Proximity to Lisheen Castle: 30-40 mins.

Rock of Cashel

Cashel has a very ancient history, albeit only documented since the 4th century. The Rock of Cashel, with its well preserved ecclesiastical remains, is one of Ireland’s most spectacular landmarks, rising above the surrounding plain and dominating the land route southward.The large cathedral, ancient round tower and the very early Romanesque Cormac’s Chapel , perched on a dramatic outcrop of rock, were silent witnesses to many of the stirring events of Irish history; St.Patrick converted the local King Aenghus, here in the 5th century; Brian Boru was crowned King of Ireland on this spot in the early 11th century. The Vicar’s Choral has been restored and the site, one of the most visited in Ireland, and now provides an interpretative centre, (multi lingual) an interesting museum, guided tours and superb views over the extensive and beautiful plains of Tipperary.

http://www.cashel.ie/attractions/rock.htm

Proximity to Lisheen Castle: 25 mins.

The Swiss Cottage

A delightful cottage orné built in the early 1800s by Richard Butler, 1st Earl of Glengall, to a design by the famous Regency architect John Nash. Its interior contains a graceful spiral staircase and some elegantly decorated rooms. The wallpaper in the salon manufactured by the Dufour factory is one of the first commercially produced Parisian wallpapers.

Situated on an elevated site with access by stone steps. Please note that this is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the Summer months.

http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/South-East/SwissCottage/

Proximity to Lisheen Castle: 30 mins.