Enniscorthy Castle — Castle Hill

Detached two-bay three-stage over basement castle, built 1588, on a rectangular plan with single-bay full-height engaged drum towers to corners on circular plans. In alternative use, 1798. In alternative use, 1863. In alternative use, 1867. Vacant, 1885. Leased, 1898. Restored, 1901-3, producing present composition. Occupied, 1911. Vacated, 1951. Sold, 1953. Adapted to alternative use, 1962. Renovated, 2006-11. Flat bitumen felt roofs not visible behind parapets with concealed rainwater goods retaining cast-iron octagonal or ogee hoppers and downpipes. Part creeper- or ivy-covered repointed rubble stone walls on battered base with battlemented parapets having lichen-spotted coping; rendered, ruled and lined surface finish (north) with rendered battlemented parapets having lichen-spotted coping. Camber-headed central door opening in square-headed recess with cut-granite step threshold, and cut- or hammered granite block-and-start surround with hood moulding framing timber panelled door. Remodelled square-headed window openings (upper stages) with rendered block-and-start surrounds framing replacement timber casement windows. Square-headed window openings (north) with rendered block-and-start surrounds framing timber casement windows behind wrought iron bars. Interior including (ground floor): hall (south) with pair of rusticated cut-limestone panels (----); room (north) retaining timber boarded floor, carved timber surrounds to window openings framing timber panelled splayed shutters on panelled risers, and picture railing below moulded plasterwork cornice to ceiling; tower (south-east) retaining cut-granite spiral staircase with wrought iron balustrade; tower (north-west) retaining spiral staircase with turned timber "spindle" balusters supporting carved timber banister terminating in finial-topped turned timber newels; (first floor): drawing room (south) retaining carved timber surrounds to window openings framing timber panelled splayed shutters on panelled risers centred on reclaimed cut-veined white marble Classical-style chimneypiece, and picture railing below moulded plasterwork cornice to ceiling; reception room (north) retaining carved timber surrounds to window openings framing timber panelled splayed shutters on panelled risers, pair of cut-veined red marble Classical-style chimneypieces, and picture railing below moulded plasterwork cornice to ceiling; (top floor): room (south) retaining carved timber surrounds to window openings framing timber panelled shutters on panelled risers; room (north) retaining carved timber surrounds to window openings framing timber panelled shutters on panelled risers. Set in landscaped grounds on outcrop.