Castles & Conquests: Top 7 Medieval Sites in Tipperary

Home > Castles & Conquests: Top 7 Medieval Sites in Tipperary

Journey through Normans, rebels, kings, and haunting legends—on a tour of Tipperary’s most captivating castles. Ready for a medieval adventure?

From the iconic Rock of Cashel to picture-perfect Cahir Castle, the Elizabethan splendour of Ormond Castle, the bloody history of Roscrea Castle, the seemingly indestructible Nenagh Castle, and Fethard, Ireland’s best-preserved Town Wall.

Tipperary’s beautiful landscapes have been shaped by rebellion and resilience, where power was won and lost, and both villains and heroes earned their reputations.

1. Rock of Cashel

Ireland’s most iconic site, The Rock of Cashel dominates the local skyline. Once the seat of the Kings of Munster, it’s steeped in myth and history — from legends of St. Patrick and Brian Boru. This dramatic cluster of medieval buildings offers sweeping views and unforgettable stories.

2. Cahir Castle

A Norman stronghold on an island. One of Ireland’s finest preserved castles, built between the 13th and 15th centuries, with intact keep, towers, and cannonball-scarred walls. Hear of its dramatic sieges and stroll along the Coronation Walk to Swiss Cottage.

3. Roscrea Castle & Damer House

Powerful past meets Georgian elegance. Journey from brutal 17th century battles to refined 18th century Georgian elegance. Start at the medieval Butler stronghold, home to a tragic massacre and end in Damer House’s graceful Queen Anne architecture.

  • View through iron gates of a historic stone building with numerous windows and a central entrance, situated in sunny weather with a blue sky and scattered clouds; signage near the entrance indicates garden closing time and visitor information.
  • Four adults touring the interior of an ancient stone building with arched windows, admiring the structure and taking photographs under a wooden coffered ceiling.

4. Nenagh Castle

Ireland’s finest defensive keep. Climb the iconic 13th century cylindrical tower, rising over 30 metres (100 feet). Step inside to climb 101 spiral steps for panoramic views, explore defensive features like splayed walls and machicolations, and hear stories from its Norman birth to recent restoration.

5. Fethard Medieval Town

A living medieval town. Walk the intact medieval walls, visit Holy Trinity Church (c.1200), and discover quirky Sheela‑na‑gigs. Don’t miss the Tholsel, home to Fethard Horse Country Experience.

A man hiking by the Fethard medieval town wall in Fethard Co. Tipperary

6. Ormond Castle

Elizabethan grandeur in Carrick-on-Suir. Step into the 1565 Tudor-style manor built by ‘Black Tom’ Butler, showcasing rare stucco plaster and links to Queen Elizabeth I. A quiet masterpiece of Renaissance Ireland.

7. The Main Guard, Clonmel

Justice, jails & jousts. Originally the courthouse of the Ormond Palatinate, this 1675 building has served as a market, barracks, pub, and now museum. Recently restored to its former glory.

  • Two women ascending a narrow stone spiral staircase inside a historic or ancient structure, one holding a camera and looking upwards.

Why You Should Visit

  • Immerse yourself in the clash of Norman, Gaelic, Tudor, and Confederate worlds
  • Scale iconic keeps, explore hidden passageways, and spy cannon impacts
  • Experience living history with guided tours, exhibitions, and audio-visual storytelling
  • Insta-worthy photo ops await at each castle’s dramatic backdrop