Ormond Castle
This mid-15th-century castle built by Sir Edward MacRichard Butler on a strategic bend of the River Suir has laid in ruins for centuries. What still stands, attached to the ancient battlements, is the last surviving Tudor manor house in Ireland. Trusting that “if he built it, she would come,” Thomas Butler constructed an extensive manor in honor of his most successful relation (and childhood friend), Queen Elizabeth I. He was to be disappointed, however—Elizabeth never did visit. Still, many others have, especially since the Heritage Service partially restored this impressive piece of Irish history. The manor’s plasterwork, carvings, period furniture, and collection of original 17th- and 18th-century royal charters will make you glad you came, and leave you wondering why Queen Bess never did.
This mid-15th-century castle built by Sir Edward MacRichard Butler on a strategic bend of the River Suir has laid in ruins for centuries. What still stands, attached to the ancient battlements, is the last surviving Tudor manor house in Ireland. Trusting that “if he built it, she would come,” Thomas Butler constructed an extensive manor in honor of his most successful relation (and childhood friend), Queen Elizabeth I. He was to be disappointed, however—Elizabeth never did visit. Still, many others have, especially since the Heritage Service partially restored this impressive piece of Irish history. The manor’s plasterwork, carvings, period furniture, and collection of original 17th- and 18th-century royal charters will make you glad you came, and leave you wondering why Queen Bess never did.
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