Newcastle Castle

Newcastle Castle lies in the village of the same name, in County Tipperary, in Ireland.

The name New Castle suggests that it must have replaced a predecessor. Maybe it refers to a fort or dún of the 5th century King Céneide that is said to have stood here.

The present Newcastle Castle dates back to the 13th century, when it was built by the Cambro-Norman Prendergast family. They remained in occupation until the mid-17th century, when, in the aftermath of the Confederate Wars, the Prendergast's estates were taken from them by the Cromwellian government. The damaged castle was then granted to the Perry family.

The castle consisted of a rectangular tower house within a bawn situated directly on the right bank of the River Suir. Of that tower house, only the first floor remains, although very much overgrown. The main visible future of the castle is the round, 3-storey tower, dating back to the 16th century.

When I visited, I found the pastures around Newcastle Castle to be used by a herd of cows and a bull. So I couldn't walk over to the castle, sadly enough. A nice castle. The ruined, late 12th/13th century church south of it is also worth a visit.

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