Roscrea Heritage - Roscrea Castle and Damer House — Attraction in The Municipal District of Thurles

Jewel in the crown of Roscrea! A royal castle built by King John in 1213 to secure silver from the nearby Silvermines. Reinforced in 1280 in stone; most of the curtain walls, two defensive towers, and the entire Gatehouse remain today. The Castle has been restored and furnished, and you can take a tour that includes its dungeon, drawbridge, spiral staircase, Great Hall, and kitchens. Guided tours are offered for only €4 for adults with discounts for seniors and students. The tour takes about an hour and includes the Castle and Damer House, along with the Black Mills down the road. The Damer House, a fine Queen Anne/Georgian house was built in 1722 inside the walls of the existing castle by the famous banker Joseph Damer. From the Act of Union in the 19th Century it served as a military barracks and after independence had a number of uses, including seeing the first executions of anti treaty soldiers outside Dublin during the Civil War. The House now contains 5 rooms furnished in a period style with fine original Irish Georgian furniture. There is also an exhibition if 19th century Irish farming life on the top floor and a contemporaries art gallery. Behind the castle are beautiful formal gardens that can be toured for free. The defensive tower, King John’s Tower, contains exhibitions. Most recent was an exhibition of artifacts from local soldiers who fought in the First World War. The annex to the house contains an interpretive Centre for small children...

Only €5 for such an incredible experience! The Roscrea Heritage — including Roscrea Castle and Damer House — was So Cool we loved it! The tour, led by the fantastic Sadhbh O’Grady, was worth far more than the price. She was incredibly knowledgeable, well-spoken, and an absolute delight.

She brought to life the rich history of Ireland, the surrounding families, and the dramatic battles that shaped the area. Her intriguing explanations of the castle’s architecture and what daily life was like within its walls was real engaging. The Damer house was Just as full of great gems. Stairs case is a stunning. They have done such a Top job preserving both pieces of history. This is the kind of tour that stays with you — informative, engaging, and full of personality. A truly terrific experience — highly recommended! Great...

Their website and voicemail suggest that Roscrea is open for visits but such was not the case when I travelled there this week. This is not how the Office of Public Works (OPW) usually conducts its business. Perhaps a quick look at how things are done in our neighbouring country of Northern Ireland, & their Tourist Board's www, would show how things should be done to avoid disappointment. Otherwise, thank you to the OPW for their friendly,...