CONSERVATION OF a 13th century castle in Nenagh by the Office Public Works has begun with an examination of the structural integrity of one of the most famous landmarks in North Tipperary.
Nenagh Castle was constructed by Theobald Fitzwalter Butler and completed by his son also Theobald in about 1220. The Butlers later became Earls of Ormonde and Nenagh remained their principal seat until 1391 when the seat was moved to Kilkenny Castle where it remains to this day.
The circular keep is over 30 metres high with a 16-metre base and is regarded as one of the finest of its kind in Ireland. Scaffolding was recently erected around the castle and will remain in place for up to 18 months, but the conservation project is likely to further delay the construction of an interpretive centre close to the castle.
Fianna Fáil town councillor Hughie McGrath said: “With a building as large as the castle, damage caused by time and the elements can’t be easily seen from the street.”