Top 10 Castles in County Tipperary, Province of Munster

Redwood Castle is a beautifully restored 13th century tower house located in the most northerly point of Tipperary. It is owned privately by a descendant of the original MacEgan family who once held a school of Irish Law and History in it. Check out its website, Facebook and Instagram for more information.

A majestic medieval fortress now in ruins: contains the Hall of Vicars and a 13th century cathedral.

This imposing 15th-century castle was long a military stronghold.

Ormond Castle is the best example of an Elizabethan manor house in Ireland. It was built by Thomas, the 10th Earl of Ormond in the 1560s. Closely integrated into the manor house are two 15th century towers. It is the country's only major unfortified dwelling from that turbulent period. The state rooms contain some of the finest decorative plasterwork in the country, including plasterwork portraits.

Historic Farney Castle, built in 1495, is close to two famous heritage sites, Holycross Abbey and The Rock of Cashel and taking in these three sites is an ideal day tour for anyone interested in heritage and authentic Ireland. If you want to discover real Irish culture, craft, music and hospitality, visit the Cullen Family at Farney Castle. Farney Castle is the family home of Cyril and Margie Cullen and their four daughters, The Cullen Harpers. Cyril Cullen is a renowned Irish designer/maker who celebrated his 50th year in business recently. He has designed knitwear for some of the world's best dressed women including the Astaire Family and Cyril is one of the few remaining parian porcelain manufacturers in the country. Cyril and his family design and produce the handmade Knitwear and Porcelain creations at the converted workshops and studios in the old courtyard of Farney Castle. Cyril's designs can be purchased in the old kitchen of the castle itself . Visitors to Farney Castle, which features in 'The Michelin guide', enjoy a unique medieval shopping experience. Cyril & Margie love to welcome visitors to their home and tours of the castle are given daily. Among the treasures one will see on the tour, are two rare 18th century harps which are part of Cyril and Margie's vast and quirky collection of art, design, craft and curiosities. Farney Castle estate is home to an extremely rare Cornish Elm tree which measures 34 metres high, making it the tallest elm tree in Ireland. Elm trees are nearly extinct due to Dutch Elm disease. The visitor's book at Farney Castle is testimony to the delightful experience enjoyed. To quote 'Ireland of the Welcomes' magazine, “As we leave we make a silent wish that we may carry something of the magic of Farney Castle with us wherever we go.”

The Castle is Nenagh's oldest building, and it's construction in the 13th Century laid the foundation for the development of the town. Theobald FitzWalter, whose successors would become Earls and Dukes of Ormond, built the castle and upon its completition c.1220 It served as the main seat of the Butler family, until 1391. The Castle boasts the finest cylindrical keep in Ireland. Like most keeps, it formed part of perimiter of the fortress, being incorporated in the curtain walls surrounding a five-sided courtyard. The Castle has had extensive renovations from 2009 to completion in June 2013. Free admission and free guided tours are available on request. The castle is a medieval building and has a stone spiral stairs to the top. There are 101 steps in all to the top. Access to the tower is through a passageway within the base of the wall. This has low head room and visitors will need to stoop to avoid hitting the stone above. All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Nenagh Castle is open from April to October. Tue-Sat: 10am-1pm, 2pm-4.30Pm Last admission: 3.45 Pm Free guided tours available on request. Average length of visit - 30 min. All groups of 15 or more must pre-book.