Rogerstown Castle, Belline And Rogerstown, Co. Kilkenny
In the countryside near Thomastown in County Kilkenny, Rogerstown Castle stands as a remarkable example of a late medieval tower house.
Rogerstown Castle, Belline And Rogerstown, Co. Kilkenny
Built sometime in the 15th or early 16th century, this fortified residence was once home to the Rogers family, who gave their name to the surrounding townland. The castle’s robust construction follows the typical design of Irish tower houses from this period, with thick stone walls that could withstand both the Irish weather and potential attackers.
The four-storey rectangular tower features distinctive architectural elements that speak to its dual purpose as both a defensive structure and a comfortable dwelling. The ground floor, likely used for storage, has a vaulted stone ceiling, whilst the upper floors would have contained the main living quarters, complete with fireplaces and window seats carved into the deep walls. Murder holes above the entrance and narrow arrow slits throughout the structure remind visitors that this was built during turbulent times when local lords needed to be prepared for conflict.
Though now roofless and partially ruined, Rogerstown Castle remains an evocative monument to medieval life in Kilkenny. The castle’s position in the fertile lands of the Nore Valley made it an ideal location for a prosperous farming estate, and historical records suggest the Rogers family maintained their presence here well into the 17th century. Today, the ivy-covered walls and empty window frames create an atmospheric ruin that offers visitors a tangible connection to Ireland’s medieval past, when such tower houses dotted the landscape as symbols of power, wealth, and the need for constant vigilance.