CASTLES COUNTY WATERFORD

Sleady Castle was built in 1628 by Philip McGrath in Jacobean architectural style near Cappoquin in County Waterford, reportedly as a worthy residence for his wife Catherine le Poer of Curraghmore. The McGraths were substantial landowners, controlling over 800 acres by 1654. The castle reflects the period when the clan held significant influence in southeast Ireland, though they were dispossessed by the English Crown around 1640. Much of the castle's remains have been incorporated into a modern house now in private hands, preserving this 17th-century fortress's distinctive heritage within contemporary structures.

Lismore Castle in County Waterford is a striking castle completed in 1860, featuring Victorian architecture within a setting of exceptional historical significance. Originally built in 1185 by Prince John, the future King of England, the castle later passed to Elizabethan courtier and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh. Since 1753, it has been the Irish home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire's family. While the castle itself remains a private residence, visitors can explore its renowned historic gardens, arranged across seven acres within 17th-century outer defensive walls. These gardens are among Ireland's oldest continually cultivated, surrounded by woodland, grassy fields, and floodplains overlooking the beautiful Blackwater River, creating a picturesque heritage landscape.

Dunhill Castle overlooks the valley of the River Anne in County Waterford from its rocky elevated position south of the village of Dunhill. Originally built in the early 13th century by the Anglo-Norman La Poer family following the Norman invasion, the castle likely occupies a site previously held by a Celtic fort. A tower house was added in the 15th century, strengthening the fortress's defensive capabilities. The Powers held Dunhill until 1649 when Cromwellian forces besieged and captured the stronghold. The ruins today retain remnants of original stonework and formidable walls that speak to its medieval heritage and commanding position overlooking the surrounding countryside.

Templemichael Castle stands north of Rincrew in County Waterford, built by the FitzGerald family in the 16th century at the confluence of the Glendine River and the Blackwater. Some sources suggest the site dates to the 12th century as a Knights Templar stronghold. The ruined structure retains portions of two walls and shows evidence of original architectural features including vaults, a large garderobe chute and spiral stairs, though much was demolished by gunpowder in antiquity. The castle sits within a parish bounded by the navigable Blackwater River, forming part of the region's rich tapestry of medieval fortifications in the barony of Coshmore and Coshbride.