Did You Know?

The world famous Ballydoyle Stable, founded by one of the greatest trainers of all time, Vincent O’Brien, has seen some legendary horses pass through its doors, many including the great Saddlers Wells went on to stand as stallions at their breeding arm Coolmore Stud. Our tip for Tipp is to keep an eye out as you drive through the south east of Tipperary. The beautiful young foal you see by their mother’s side could be a future horseracing legend.

Farney Castle

T: +353 (0)504 43281 F: +353 (0)504 43357 E: farneycastle@eircom.net
Address: , Holycross, Co. Tipperary
Farney Castle is the only Round Tower in Ireland occupied as a family home. Tours of the Castle are available daily.

The first castle was built in Farney in 1185 and this would have been a timbered structure. The present round tower was built in 1495 by Thomas Butler, 7th Earl of Ormond, and it was part of a defensive system created by the Butlers to protect their land in Tipperary. The Butlers were in Farney Castle for 500 years but in 1536 the castle was confiscated by King Henry VIII of England. He returned the lands again to the Butlers in 1538 when he married Anne Boleyn who was the daughter of James, 3rd Earl of Ormond. Subsequently the castle was occupied for short periods by two other English monarchs namely King James 1st from 1617 - 1625, and King George 1st from 1716 -1721. The Castle is also home to the Irish international designer, Cyril Cullen, where his famous handmade knitwear designs and fine porcelains are produced, and sold in the Castle Shop.