Clara Castle Co Kilkenny

Clara Castle, Ireland, Ireland

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Clara Castle is a superbly preserved late medieval tower house located near Kilkenny City in County Kilkenny. Built by the Shortall family around the late 15th or early 16th century, it remained occupied for centuries, making it one of the best-preserved examples of an Irish tower house. The five-storey limestone castle was designed as both a home and a defensive stronghold. It features a fortified entrance, spiral staircase, murder hole, secret chamber, fireplaces, original oak woodwork, and a surrounding defensive courtyard known as a bawn. Many of these medieval features survive today, offering a rare glimpse into everyday life in an Irish castle. Now a National Monument, Clara Castle is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s finest tower houses. Its exceptional state of preservation and authentic medieval design make it an important landmark for understanding Ireland’s architectural and historical heritage.