Derrinlaur Castle

Derrinlaur Castle lies in the townland of Derrinlaur Lower, in County Waterford, in Ireland.

Derrinlaur Castle was first mentioned in 1520 when there was an ownership dispute between the Powers and the Butlers. In 1574, it was taken by surprise by the Earl of Desmond; John Fitzgerald, but it was retaken by the Viceroy, Sir William Fitzwilliam, the following year, who then massacred the rebel garrison.

Already in 1640 it is described as 'the stump of a castle' owned by Thomas Butler, Lord Cahir.

The castle was built on the southern edge of the floodplain of the River Suir. I was told its name meant something like 'in the woods'.

At present, Derrinlaur Castle is situated on the premises of a private residence, so it can not be visited. A small tower remnant, much overgrown but still showing some architectural details. Beneath the growth next to it on both sides, apparently are the remains of 2 flanking towers.

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