Burnchurch Castle

Republic of Ireland, Ireland

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Burnchurch Castle is a remarkably well-preserved medieval tower house in County Kilkenny, built by the Fitzgerald family during the 15th or 16th century. It takes its name from a nearby church that was reportedly burned during Robert the Bruce’s campaign in Ireland in 1316, leading the area to become known as “Burnchurch.” The castle served as the seat of the Barons of Burnchurch and remained occupied until the early 19th century. Its six-storey structure is notable for its numerous chambers, hidden passages, a secret room, and an associated circular turret that once formed part of a larger fortified complex enclosed by defensive walls. Today, Burnchurch Castle is protected as a National Monument and is regarded as one of the finest surviving examples of a late medieval Irish tower house. Its impressive architecture and strong historical connections make it an important landmark in Kilkenny’s rich heritage.