A 12th-century private-hire castle on a 50-acre wooded estate overlooking the River Awbeg. One of Ireland's oldest continuously occupied homes, now available for exclusive weddings, family gatherings, and by-appointment heritage tours.
Owner Patrick Nordstrom leads entertaining and knowledgeable tours through the 12th- and 15th-century towers, tracing 10,000 years of history from Mesolithic settlers to Strongbow's Normans, Sir Walter Raleigh, Cromwell's siege, and even Michael Jackson's three-week stay. Tours are by appointment only and cover the Norman keep, the Sheela na Gig, St Patrick's Holy Well, and the Bronze Age fort of Dún Cruadha.
Animal Magic runs hawk walks and falconry displays in the castle grounds. Handle and fly a trained hawk through the estate's woodlands, or book a static or flying display with eagles, owls, and falcons — an unforgettable experience in a medieval setting. Contact Animal Magic directly for bookings.
The castle owns fishing rights to its private stretch of the Awbeg, a clean limestone river with excellent stocks of brown trout. Equipment is provided free for guests, and local ghillies can be arranged. The season runs 15 February to 30 September.
Adventure Park (based at Kartworld) offers on-site activities including laser tag, bubble football, gladiator jousting, archery, sumo suits, egg launch, and team-building games — all customisable for groups staying at the castle.
Explore 50 acres of protected nature reserve with mature native Irish trees, home to red squirrels, otters, bats, and peregrine falcons. Kids will enjoy the Castle Maze, sandpit, swings, and slides in the walled kitchen garden, where organic produce is grown.
Tailored tours for students covering every era of Irish history through the site — Mesolithic flints, Bronze Age fortifications, Norman architecture, Cromwellian siege marks, and more. Up to 5 hours including lunch break in the Coach House. €10 per student.
A 5-minute walk brings you to this 'Village of Tradition' with listed 18th-century buildings and The Spinning Wheel pub (est. 1791), which houses a small museum. Nearby, visit the 13th-century Bridgetown Priory ruins and the ancient wedge tomb at Labbacallee.
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