Co. Kilkenny FRESHFORD

Clomantagh Castle

Clomantagh Castle is an utterly enchanting and captivating property. The tower (1430s) and the farmhouse (early 1800s) are linked by doors allowing guests to wander freely between two periods of history.

A mixture of simplicity and rustic charm, Clomantagh also features a Sheela-na-gig - a symbolic pagan nude carved on one of the stones.

Clonmantagh Castle is of outstanding importance because of the collection of buildings spanning the period from the 12th - 18th Century, the complex at Clomantagh includes a 12th Century parish church, an early 15th Century tower house, an almost intact boundary or bawn wall with a medieval dovecote, and a 19th Century farmhouse.

High on the tower house, above the roof of the farmhouse, there is evidence on an external wall, of an earlier attached structure. This is most likely the banqueting hall, which we know from contemporary descriptive accounts of Irish life was used for entertaining, the lord and his family only returning to the safety of the stone castle to sleep.

On the site of this banqueting hall stands the Victorian farmhouse, which is a fine example of this building type retaining most of its original features, apart from the roofing material which was changed from thatch to slate c.1850.

Special Note: The Castle is surrounded by a working farm; therefore the main gate to the property must always be kept closed.

Details:

* sleeps 10
* 4 double bedrooms
* 1 twin bedroom
* 1 shower room with wc downstairs
* 2 bathrooms upstairs
* oil central heating

AA CASTLECOMER