Gowran Castle, Ireland

From series “Ireland's Greatest Castles”

4 out of 15 - Barberstown Castle, Ireland

Year: 1385.

You can visit the beautiful Gowran Castle in County Kilkenny. It was built for Earl James Butler in 1385. The castle is an important architectural landmark in the region today. It was built in the best traditions of the classical style. Many of the original elements of the castle have been preserved hundreds of years later. The castle has high ceilings and still high narrow windows even today. Unusual masonry is a distinctive feature of the castle. Local bricks were used in its construction.

Gowran Castle is located in a very interesting archaeological area. Research on its territory has been continuously conducted for several decades. Unique artifacts were discovered by archaeologists here. They indicate that the earliest settlements were formed in this area more than 2,000 years ago. These hypotheses have real confirmation. Several unique historical sites are located near the castle. Their age is more than 1,500 years.

You can visit the nearby Tullaherin Church as part of a guided tour. It was founded in the 6th century. You can also admire the ruins of an ancient settlement in the Freestone Hill area. Gowran Castle was badly damaged in the mid-17th century. It was partially destroyed during the Irish war of independence. The Agar Family bought the fortress in the second half of the 17th century. The castle belonged to this family for the next 300 years. The building was almost completely restored during this period. The historic castle has been in disrepair in recent years. It is accessible to tourists only for external inspection.

Next - Glenveagh Castle

Ashford Castle, Ireland

Glenveagh Castle, Ireland

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Gowran Castle - interactive map

Useful staff nearby

ATM bankomat: 'Applegreen' located in 6.04 km (

check the route on the map).

Car rental office: 'Kieran Ryan & Sons Auto Crash Repairs' is located in 11 km (

on the map).

Fuel station: 'Gowran Filling Station' in 0.27 km

Supermarket: 'SuperValu Bagenalstown - Connolly's' in 10 km

Parking: 'Borris Viaduct Car Park' in 10 km

Apotheek: 'Gowran Pharmacy' in 0.23 km

Police station: 'Bennettsbridge Garda Station' in 9 km

Cafe/restaurant: 'Rico's Take Away' in 0.23 km

Railway station: 'Bennettsbridge' in 8 km

Nearest airports:
» Kilkenny Airport KKY - in 12 km

» Waterford Airport WAT - in 49 km

» Dublin Airport DUB - in 104 km

» Shannon Airport SNN - in 125 km

» Cork Airport ORK - in 130 km

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Cities nearby

» Guide to Kilkenny

» Hotels in Kilkenny

» Car rent in Kilkenny

» Guide to Waterford

» Hotels in Waterford

» Guest houses

» Bed & Breakfast

» Apartments

» Hostels

» Car rent in Waterford

» Hotels in Wicklow

» Car rent in Wicklow

Best hotels near Gowran Castle

Ashbrook House B&B

Located in 3 km from Gowran Castle
Route on the map:

Rooms: 4

Each room at Ashbrook House features a TV, tea/coffee making facilities, views of the countryside, and a bathroom with free toiletries. Baby cots are … More: photo, rates and booking

Kilbawn Country House

Located in 6 km from Gowran Castle
Route on the map:

Rooms: 4

Each room at Kilbawn Country House has an en suite bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Rooms have gorgeous views, and all benefit from a … More: photo, rates and booking

Aard Oakleigh

Located in 9 km from Gowran Castle
Route on the map:

Rooms: 3

The quaint rooms at the Aard B&B feature bathrooms with showers, hairdryers and free toiletries. Rooms also feature TVs, radios and work desks. The … More: photo, rates and booking

Bridge View B&B

Located in 12 km from Gowran Castle
Route on the map:

Rooms: 6

Each room has its own bathroom with shower or bath. Rooms also have a TV and tea and coffee facilities. A full cooked breakfast includes bacon, … More: photo, rates and booking

Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit

12 km - Kilkenny Castle

From the series 'Ireland's Greatest Castles'

Kilkenny Castle is located in the town of the same name. It was built on the banks of the River Nore in the 12th century. Earl William Marshal was the founder of the castle. The old fortress has been owned by the Butler Family for the last 600 years of private …

48 km - Fulachtai Fia

From the series '15 Historical Monuments, with Riddles not yet Solved'

About 6 000 items were found in Ireland, today they are known as Fulachtai Fia. Also, they are known as burnt mounds. They commonly survive as a low horseshoe-shaped mound of charcoal-enriched soil and heat shattered stone. In the centre you can see a man-made full of …

56 km - Hook Head Lighthouse

From the series 'Top 15 Most Fascinating Lighthouses'

Hook Head Lighthouse, also known as the Hook Lighthouse, is situated in Ireland. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world. The existing tower dates from the 13th century and amazes of its considerable dimensions and firmness. The wall thickness is from 4 meters …

80 km - Lismore Castle

From the series 'Ireland's Greatest Castles'

Lismore Castle is located in the County of Waterford. It continues to be one of the most majestic and luxurious castles in Ireland for more than 800 years. It was built by order of Prince John in 1185. He became king of England later and was known as John Landless. A …

82 km - Barberstown Castle

From the series 'Ireland's Greatest Castles'

Barberstown is one of the most popular tourist destination castles of Ireland. It is located near the village of Straffan. The hotel was opened in the castle in 1971. Absolutely everyone can spend a few days in a luxury castle today. A luxurious park surrounds the …

94 km - Guinness Storehouse

From the series 'Strange, Weird and Unusual Museums Amusing its Visitors'

Located in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse (Museum of Beer Guinness) serves as a tourist center for beer lovers for almost ten years. The museum was opened in 2006. The exposition of the original museum is presented on three floors of the large building. On the last …

Top destination around Gowran Castle - Kilkenny

Do you want to see a real Irish shrine? For this purpose, visit the St Canice's Cathedral built in the 13th century. This is the second-largest Catholic church in Ireland. The gorgeous building is an amazing example of the Gothic style. Tourists visit this church to see the mesmerizing old sculptures and gorgeous mosaics that cover walls of the famous cathedral. The cathedral has undergone many restorations over the centuries. Despite this fact, St Canice's Cathedral still has its original and fabulous look.

There is a tall round-shaped tower close to the main building. This tower has the same style and forms an interesting architectural ensemble with the main building of the cathedral. The tower was built in the 9th century but it is still in a nearly ideal condition. Tourists are welcome to get to the top of the tower and enjoy the panoramic view of Kilkenny from a special viewing platform. This is a picture-perfect area with striking views of the Irish surroundings.
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