Castle In Wexford - Killiane Castle Wexford
Jack and Kathleen Mernagh with their sons David and Colin are your hosts at this most interesting of farmhouses. To visit Killiane Castle is to be at once immersed in the quiet luxury of the present with all the pervading evidence of a rich historical past in the background. This beautiful abode is situated in the south east corner of Wexford, on a narrow leafy country road - a getaway haven “far from the madding crowd”.
To the historian, Killiane Castles 17th century house, 13th century Norman castle and small medieval church of St Helen are a delight.
Climb the well maintained stairs of the tower and observe the many interesting interior features. On arrival to the parapet to the magnificent views of the local country side and coastline.
History
The Killiane Castle complex comprises of a Norman tower house, a bawn and an early 17th century house .The castle tower is approximately 50ft high and measures 39ft x 27ft externally, with walls 4ft to 9ft in thickness. It was built around 1470 and is probably one of the “£ 10 castles”- a grant of £ 10 being given by king Henry VIII for the building fortresses in his kingdom.
The castle contains only one original window all the others having been altered. This window is an ogee style window of the 15th century, with two lights. The main entrance to the castle was on the east side, now bricked up, it provided an adjoining door to the house at one time. A new door has been opened on the south side of the tower.
On the ground floor underneath the stair way , is a dungeon. From this a passageway leads to a door, now bricked up which adjoined the house. The stairs in the east wall is well maintained. The ceiling of the ground floor loft is vaulted. On the first floor is another doorway, again bricked up, adjoining the house. On this floor there is also a garderobe. A brick fireplace has been installed in a corner of this room with its chimney rising inside the building.
The third floor contains a fine granite fireplace, the chimney rising on the outer wall is lined with small smooth stones from the beach. This floor also contains a cupboard recess. The roof, originally of slate has been replaced by corrugated iron. The parapet consists of large sloping slabs and the battlements are of the steeply stepped type with a square turret on each corner. On the outside of the southern turret is a carved head. There are murder holes over each of the doors on the ground hoot.
The large bawn has a round tower on the south east corner and a square tower on the south west corner, castle occupying the north west corner. The north east tower has been removed as has the northern apron wall to accommodate the facade of the house.
The original 17th century house consisted of two storeys with garret on top. At some stage the roof was raised to incorporate the original dormer windows of the garrets into a third storey. The great slant of the original 17th century Roof was also reduced. The staircase of the house is of a simple very wide design of the 17th century. Nearby stands the ruins of the small medieval church of ST.Helen’s which was in ruins by 1835 it and its adjoining cemetery were enclosed by a wall and is reputed to be the burial place of the Cheevers family.
Farmhouse Accommodation
Jack and Kathleen Mernagh with their sons David and Colin are your hosts at this most interesting of farm house. To visit Killiane Castle is to be at once immersed in the quiet luxury of the present with all the pervading evidence of a rich historical past in the background. This beautiful abode is situated in the south east corner of Wexford on a narrow leafy country road - a getaway haven “far from the madding crowd”.
Courtyard Apartments
If you would like the same level of comfortable luxury as in our guesthouse, but would like a little more independence, then take a look at our courtyard apartments.
They make a wonderful base for a longer stay exploring Wexford and its surroundings, or would suit a businessperson during relocation. The apartments were formerly stables, and are now designed to Failte Ireland 4 star rating with modern stylish furniture, fittings and décor
A welcome pack of home baking greets you on your arrival to your apartment. Your linen and towels are supplied. Breakfast is available each morning in our dining room if required.
This apartments either sleeps four or two people with en-suite bedrooms with power showers, hairdryers and plenty of storage Space. The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher, microwave and fridge freezer. The lounge area has comfortable couches with TV and electric coal effect fire. Washing machine and a dryer are housed in the courtyard.
Why not sit and relax in our gardens. There is a barbeque available for use and you could also enjoy a bottle of wine from our wine list. Here you can enjoy the peace and quiet, walk through the grounds or stroll along the farm walk looking at numerous and varied wildlife. You could also tour the farm and see the cows been milked or the calves been fed.
Amenities
Golf driving range:
We have a 300 meter floodlit driving range next to the Farmhouse for you to enjoy. Golf clubs are available.
Castle tower:
Climb the 13th century Norman tower and view the local countryside and Wexford coastline.
Working Farm:
Our farm is a 230 acre dairy farm We calve our cows in the spring and our sheep lamb at this time also. Watch the cows been milked and the calves and sheep been fed.
Nature Trail:
Follow the tree lined nature trail down to the canal and back through the farm pastures.
Tennis Court:
Hard tennis court located beside the house.
Croquet lawn:
Enjoy a game of croquet on the long summer days.
Contact Us
Killiane Castle
Drinagh
Wexford
Ireland
Phones : +353(0)53 9158885
Fax : +353(0)53 9158885
Email: killianecastle@yahoo.com
- Castles in Wexford
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