Clomantagh Castle facts for kids

Clomantagh Castle, a historic tower house in Ireland.

Clomantagh Castle is a cool old building from the 1400s. It's a type of strong house called a tower house, found near a place called Freshford, County Kilkenny in Ireland. Imagine living in a castle that's also a tall, sturdy home!

This castle wasn't just built all at once. Over the years, more parts were added. For example, a farmhouse was connected to it in the 1800s. If you look closely at the castle walls, you might even spot some old carvings, like a special pagan carving called a Sheela na gig.

What is Clomantagh Castle?

Clomantagh Castle is a great example of a tower house. These were popular in Ireland during the 1400s and 1500s. They were built to be both homes and strongholds. This meant they could protect families from attacks.

A Look Inside a Tower House

A tower house like Clomantagh Castle usually has several floors. Each floor would have different rooms for living, sleeping, and storing food. The walls were very thick, making them hard to break into. They often had small windows, perfect for defense.

Who Owned Clomantagh Castle?

For a long time, Clomantagh Castle belonged to a powerful family called the Butlers. These Butlers were also known as the Earls of Ormond.

The Butler Family's Story

When Pierce 'Ruadh' Butler, who was the 8th Earl of Ormond, passed away in 1539, his son Richard inherited the castle. Richard later became the 1st Viscount Mountgarret. The castle stayed with the Butlers of Mountgarret for many years, through the 1500s and 1600s.

How the Castle Changed Hands

Eventually, the castle was taken from the Butler family. This happened after a big event in Irish history called the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland. During this time, many lands and castles in Ireland were taken over by new owners.

Clomantagh Castle Today

Luckily, Clomantagh Castle has been looked after very well. In the late 1900s, it went through a big makeover. These updates were so good that they even won an award from the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland!

Staying at the Castle

Today, Clomantagh Castle is managed by the Irish Landmark Trust. This group helps to save and care for historic buildings. They rent out the castle as a special place for people to stay on holiday. Imagine spending your vacation in a real 15th-century castle! It's a fantastic way to experience history up close.