Fodor's Expert Review Charleville Castle
One relic of Tullamore's pre-famine era is found on the southwestern edge of town, where you'll find a storybook neo-Gothic 19th-century castle. Its Flag Tower and turrets rise above its domain of 30 acres of woodland walks and gardens. The Georgian–Gothic Revival house was built as a symbol of English oppression over French and Irish (the French revolutionary forces had become a little too cozy with the Irish locals). In fact, the floor plan is even modeled on the Union Jack. Commissioned by Baron Tullamore and dating from 1812, the castle is a rural example of the work of architect Francis Johnston, who was responsible for many of Dublin's stately Georgian buildings. The interiors are somewhat the worse for wear and parts of the castle, such as the Stairwell Restoration Project (also known as Harriet's Staircase), are works in progress, but the William Morris–designed dining room ceiling has its original stenciled wallpaper with gold leaf. And the building still holds wide appeal:... READ MORE
One relic of Tullamore's pre-famine era is found on the southwestern edge of town, where you'll find a storybook neo-Gothic 19th-century castle. Its Flag Tower and turrets rise above its domain of 30 acres of woodland walks and gardens. The Georgian–Gothic Revival house was built as a symbol of English oppression over French and Irish (the French revolutionary forces had become a little too cozy with the Irish locals). In fact, the floor plan is even modeled on the Union Jack. Commissioned by Baron Tullamore and dating from 1812, the castle is a rural example of the work of architect Francis Johnston, who was responsible for many of Dublin's stately Georgian buildings. The interiors are somewhat the worse for wear and parts of the castle, such as the Stairwell Restoration Project (also known as Harriet's Staircase), are works in progress, but the William Morris–designed dining room ceiling has its original stenciled wallpaper with gold leaf. And the building still holds wide appeal: paranormal groups hold investigations in it, filmmakers are attracted to it (castle scenes were used in 2019 for the Netflix comedy The Knight Before Christmas, and for the biographical romantic drama Becoming Jane about the life of Jane Austen), and tourists love to hear the stories of previous owners and its secret passage.
Descended through the Bury family, who eventually lost their fortune and left no heirs, the castle became an orphan in the 1960s and is being slowly restored. The surrounding forest is said to be haunted by the spirits of the ancient Druids. The castle is open all year. In the summer, guided tours leave every 40 minutes between 11 am and 5 pm, and in the winter at noon, 2, and 4 pm, when it is best to call ahead to book.
To reach the castle by car it is a 2-km (1-mile) drive on a rough narrow lane off the main road, so be aware of ramps and potholes along part of it. Look out also for the King Oak in the grounds—estimated to be between 400 and 800 years old—which stands just inside the main entrance.
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