A 13th-century cylindrical keep — widely called the finest of its kind — rising about 30 metres above the centre of Nenagh. Climb 101 stone steps for a 360-degree view across Tipperary to the Silvermines and Lough Derg.
The keep is five storeys high and interpretation panels on each floor cover its construction, the Butler dynasty and set-piece events such as the 1651 siege. Look for original fireplaces and base walls up to five metres thick on the way up.
A narrow stone spiral staircase climbs through the keep to the roof — 101 steps in all, with low headroom at the base where visitors must stoop. From the top there is a 360-degree view over Nenagh, the Silvermines and Lough Derg. The roof is fully exposed, so bring a windproof layer and grippy shoes.
Visits are self-guided, but free guided tours of 30 to 40 minutes can be arranged in advance in English or Polish. Pre-booking is required.
A quiet grassed area wraps around the tower base off O'Rahilly Street, handy for a break or a picnic in the middle of town before or after the climb.
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