What is recorded here

Castletown Castle in County Carlow is a late eighteenth-century house wrapped around the buried bones of an older tower. The original structure still stands at ground level, marked by massive walls, a stone-flagged floor, and a surviving loop in the east wall. The newer building added a large fireplace and entrance, but the ancient heart remains hidden beneath the fancy Gothic disguise.

The following description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Carlow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 July 2007 Late eighteenth-century house with Gothic revival features incorporates remains of tower house of rectangular plan. Original tower house at N end is recognisable at ground level by massive walls (T 1.5m), stone-flagged floor, and part of loop in E wall and mural stair. Large fireplace and entrance in N wall are probably of eighteenth-century date. No indications of barrel vaulting. Some indications of a loop embrasure or possibly cupboard on first floor but little evidence that tower house survives above ground-floor level. (Carloviana 1956, 14-15)

Castletown Castle was built in the early 17th century by the Butler family, who were prominent landowners in the region. It is remembered as a symbol of the family's influence and as an example of early Irish country house architecture.

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