Kiltinan Castle facts for kids
Kiltinan Castle is a very old and interesting castle located near Fethard, County Tipperary in Ireland. It's known for its long history and unique features.
Contents
A Glimpse into Kiltinan Castle's Past
Kiltinan Castle was built a very long time ago, in the 1200s. This makes it one of the oldest castles in Ireland where people still live today! It sits on a high spot made of limestone rock. From the castle, you can look out over the Clashawley River.
What Makes Kiltinan Castle Special?
The castle grounds have many cool things to see. There's a special gate at the main entrance that looks like a castle itself. You can also find a dovecote, which is a house for pigeons, built in the 1400s. Another interesting feature is a unique stone carving called a Sheila-na-Gig. The castle even has a pet graveyard from the early 1900s!
Who Lived at Kiltinan Castle?
The first people known to live in Kiltinan Castle were the Butler family. They were an important family who held the title of Baron Dunboyne. The Butlers lived in the castle until the 1600s.
A Time of Change
During a period known as the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, the castle faced an attack. On February 13, 1650, the castle was bombarded. After this, a family called the Cookes took over. They made many changes and rebuilt parts of the castle during the 1700s and 1800s.
Kiltinan Castle and Horses
In 1918, Kiltinan Castle became a place for raising racehorses. This happened when Captain F.J.B. De Sales La Terriere bought it. He was an officer in the British army. Even though he was British, the castle became a secret safe-house for the IRA during the Irish War of Independence. This meant that sometimes, British officers and rebels hiding from the law would both find a place to stay at Kiltinan! Captain La Terriere's wife, Joan de Sales La Terriere, was also very famous for her horse riding skills and for being a well-known person in society.
Today, the stud farm next to the castle is managed by the family of the famous composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber.
