Munster Express Online

An attractive and most welcome Visitor’s Guide to Ormond Castle was recently launched by Minister of State Martin Mansergh at the Castle itself.

The guide’s author, Dr Jane Fenlon, said she was very happy to get the opportunity to be involved with writing a Guide about such a magnificent building.

Dr Fenlon is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin and lectures and publishes on Irish Art and Architecture.

She has held a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Paul Mellon Centre for the Study of British Art at Yale University and was an Honorary Senior Research Fellowship at UCD from 2001 to 2003.

“Ormond Castle is a hidden jewel in the crown of the Office of Public Works and the rich heritage of County Tipperary,” said Deputy Mansergh.

“The Castle is one of the most interesting buildings in Ireland and while its earliest remaining parts date from the 15th century, it is essentially a complete residence in the Elizabethan style.

“It is the earliest example of a large unfortified house in Ireland, is domestic and unmilitary in character and boasts many fine and unusual features. A unique feature is the Long Gallery on the first floor, which is approximately one hundred feet in length.

“This type of gallery became fashionable in the 16th century and they were commonly used for indoor exercise.”

A number of initiatives have been put in place in recent times to increase the number of visitors to Ormond Castle, including the removal of all admission charges.

The castle is also open for four more weeks this year (from April 30th to September 30th) with guided tours available daily between 10am and 5pm.