Kilcash Castle

Kilcash Castle is a fortified tower dating from the 16th century.
The five stories high tower has recently undergone some long running restoration (so the ruin is now scaffolding free for the first time in a long time).
The ruins of the adjoining hall were added at a later unknown date.

The castle is mostly associated with the Butler family who were very prominent in the surrounding area.

The castle at one stage was occupied by Lord Castlehaven a noted Confederate Catholic Commander in the 1641 - 52 war.

These days the castle is most associated with the song Caoine Cill Chaise (A Lament for Kilcash) which mourns the death Margaret Butler (1744).

Kilcash had fallen into ruin by the mid 19thCentury.
The trustees of the Ormond  estate sold the castle to the State in 1997 for £500.

The castle is signposted from the N24 (and can be seen clearly from the road).
The site as of a couple of weeks ago is still closed off - you can get up close but the castle itself is locked up very securely.   

Grannagh (Granny) Castle

Located on the banks of the River Suir in south County Kilkenny stands the striking ruin of Grannagh
( Granny ) Castle.

The castle (13th Century) is said to have been built by the le Poers who had been granted the whole of Waterford and southern portion of Kilkenny after the Norman invasion in 1169.

When Eustace le Poer was executed for treason in 1375 Edward the III granted the castle to James Butler, 2nd Earl of Ormond.

The main tower house of the castle was built in the 15th Century and in keeping with many others of it's kind at that time it was both a sign of wealth and for defence purposes. 

The Castle was taken by Cromwell's forces in 1650 and was mostly destroyed after being fired on with two cannon's.

The Board of Public Works did some restoration work in 1925, today you will find the grounds in and around the castle are well kept.

Access - The castle can be seen from the N24 (just off the the M9). 
Parking is not a problem as you are taken down a slip road which leaves you right beside the castle.