Ormond Castle: due to re-open to visitors by next summer.
Ormond Castle, Ireland’s only surviving Tudor Manor, is due to re-open next summer, according to the Office of Public Works (OPW).
In a statement released to The Munster Express on Friday last, the OPW said it was looking forward to the Castle taking its place in the Fáilte Ireland ‘Ancient East’ tourism initiative once the current works were completed.
“Since the castle came into State care, various phases of work have staved off the worst potential damage to its structure,” the statement read.
“But, in recent times, problems with dampness due to water ingress have become greater and last year, were found to have significantly degraded the mechanical and electrical installations in the castle, as well as compromising the remaining historic decorative plasterwork.”
And with that in mind, the OPW “made the decision to carry out major works on the structure. These works include the complete up-grade of the mechanical and
electrical installations.
“To further alleviate the damage caused by dampness to the interior, and to preserve the current works as well as the decorative plasterwork it is intended to restore the historic appearance of the castle by rendering the exterior of the building using a traditional lime
render, accurately matching the castle’s original exterior render.
“This will facilitate the breathability and flexibility required for such a structure while at the same time protecting the structure against the weather.”
Other works being carried out at the castle between now and next summer include:
* A complete upgrade of fire and security systems,
* Installation of underfloor heating,
* Consolidation and conservation of some historic internal plasterwork,
* Scaffold and minor roof repairs (if necessary),
* Upgrading existing storm water services, an upgrade of the sewerage system, and a refurbishment of visitor and guide facilities.
The structure visitors see today was mainly built between the 14th and mid 16th Centuries and also includes the Elizabethan Manor House constructed by Thomas ‘Black Tom’ Butler in the 1560s. With two 15th Century towers integrated into the manor, Ormond Castle is the only unfortified dwelling still standing from the Elizabethan era.
Some of its interior decorative plasterwork is 450 years old, again a unique feature in a national context, something which one would expect to be highlighted when it joins the Ancient East concept.
The OPW said the building’s decline began towards the end of the 17th Century, “when the Butlers left the house and moved north to Kilkenny”. But as we know, some Butlers stuck around Carrick-on-Suir, and that was no bad thing for the locality!
