Nenagh Castle

The castle is Nenagh's oldest building, and its 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 completion c.1220 it served as the main seat of the Butler family. The keep, the 100ft high tower house that is today known as Nenagh Castle, was at one time surrounded by walls, along which were placed a gate house and two defensive towers. The keep is in a good state of repair; however only remains of the gatehouse and one small tower currently remain.

NENAGH - Nenagh Castle

Colour image of Nenagh Castle

NENAGH - Nenagh Castle

Colour image of Nenagh Castle

Enlarge image

Defensive Features

Leask described Nenagh Castle as "the most remarkable structure of its kind in Ireland", and it was built specifically with defence in mind. The walls at the base of the castle are "splayed", which protected the base from canon fire, and the subsequent curvature of the walls allowed missiles dropped from above to ricochet outwards upon the assailants. Also to be seen on the wall is a "machicolation". This is a stone platform that projects from the third floor, resulting in an overhang on top of attackers. The platform had a central opening, through which defenders dropped an array of missiles down directly on the heads of those below.

NENAGH - The Castle

Black and White image of Nenagh Castle

NENAGH - The Castle

Black and White image of Nenagh Castle

Enlarge image

From Nenagh to Boston

It was at Nenagh Castle, in 1336, that a peace treaty was signed between James, the 1st Earl of Ormond, and a representative of the O'Kennedy family. The treaty included terms of peace and grants of lands for the Gaelic clan, but the agreement is more noteworthy because of what became of it over 600 years later. The treaty was presented as a gift to John F. Kennedy during his state visit to Ireland in 1963, and it is now housed in the J.F.K Library in Massachusetts. As for the O'Kennedy's adherence to the treaty, they would go on to break its terms in spectacular fashion in 1347-8, when they unsuccessfully attacked the Castle and burnt the town. In this endeavour they were assisted by the O'Briens and O'Carrolls.

Attempts at Capture and Destruction

The Castle led a charmed life during the turbulent 17th Century. During the course of the Confederate and Cromwellian Wars it was seized on three separate occasions, until it was finally granted to Col. Daniel Abbot, along with extensive lands, in lieu of pay from Cromwell. The Butlers regained it after the Restoration in 1660. During the Jacobite War Anthony O'Carroll took the Castle from James, the 2nd Duke, who supported William, but it was retaken in August 1690, by Ginkel. Two years later William ordered its demolition so that it would be "rendered indefensible in ill hands". The keep, however was only partly damaged. Further destruction was wrought in 1750, when a farmer called Newsome attempted to demolish the Castle, as the sparrows it housed were destroying his barley crop nearby.

The battlements on top of the keep were rebuilt in 1861, and further conservation was undertaken in 1929. In 1985 the field around the Castle was developed as a small town park. The Office of Public works currently maintains the building.

Sources - Sheehan, "Nenagh and its Neighbourhood"; Murphy, "Nenagh Castle"

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