Gowran Castle, Ireland

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