Poulakerry Castle

Poulakerry Castle, sometimes also known as Kilsheelan Tower, lies east of the village of Kilsheelan, in County Tipperary, in Ireland.

The castle was built by the Butler Fitzwilliams family, probably in the early 16th century. It is one of a series of tower houses built in the 15th and 16th centuries and lining the northern banks of the River Suir. Another example is Ballynoran Castle. Situated just some 100 meters from a sharp bend in the river, it may have guarded a crossing or extracted a toll from passing boats.

Poulakerry Castle remained a Butler Fitzwilliams stronghold until the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland in the mid-17th century, when it was taken by Thomas Sadleir (Sadler), an adjutant general in Cromwell's forces. It was badly damaged in the process, but subsequently repaired and garrisoned, before being passed to a John Rathborne.

The castle was restored in the 1970s and has since then been used as a family home. Originally, the tall square tower house would have had double-stepped merlons.

At present, Poulakerry Castle is a private residence, so it can not be visited. Must be great to be able to call this your home. A very nice castle.

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