This castle in Oldcastle Lower dates back to the Anglo-Norman period, when powerful families established fortified homes throughout Ireland to control their newly acquired territories. Like many Irish castles of its era, it would have served as both a defensive stronghold and a symbol of authority over the surrounding lands.

The structure likely began as a simple motte and bailey construction in the 12th or 13th century, before evolving into a more substantial stone fortress. During its heyday, the castle would have been home to a succession of noble families, each leaving their mark on the building through various additions and modifications. The thick stone walls that remain today once echoed with the sounds of medieval life; feasts in the great hall, soldiers preparing for battle, and the daily bustle of a working castle community.

Today, visitors can explore what remains of this once-mighty fortress, though time and the elements have taken their toll. The ruins offer a glimpse into Ireland’s turbulent past, from the initial Norman conquest through centuries of conflict, changing allegiances, and eventual abandonment. Walking among the weathered stones, it’s easy to imagine the castle in its prime, when it stood as a formidable presence watching over the Kilkenny countryside, its towers reaching skyward and its walls providing sanctuary to all who dwelt within.