Ballytarsna-Hackett Castle is a 15th century tower house, built inside a now-ruined 13th Century castle. It is like a keep, with one major difference. Where a keep is a powerful thick-walled tower, an Irish tower house is a home for the family, that also serves as a keep. When restoring this tower, we have maintained its status as a fortress. We have also have made it warm and comfortable. It is a cozy country home ensconced between castellated battlements, authentic and usable! Warm and dry!
The space
Ballytarsna-Hackett Castle is a 15th century fortified tower house. Originally added to the existing castle of 1220, it was built in 1480 to provide the Hackett family with a safe and private accommodation apart from the older castle. The Hacketts were ousted from the then Hackett Castle in 1655 by a Parliamentarian force, due to their support for the Catholic Confederation of Kilkenny. It fell into ruin soon after. Lovingly restored by us between 1999 and 2009, it is now available for you to enjoy. The entire top story is now being offered for Bed & Breakfast. The bedroom below is also available for extra guests in the same party if needed. It is spacious and comfortable, but not ensuite. The main room above is located on the 4th story. This lofty and marvelous room offers spectacular views of the Tipperary countryside, including the Rock of Cashel. It is a self-contained, ensuite assembly of everything you will need to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. A large and elegant four-poster bed is in one corner. The other three corners are occupied by a small library and sitting area, a large free-standing bath tub and finally a 19th century armoire for your clothes. At the end of a narrow passage is your private toilet. In the other direction at the end of a small side chamber is the castle DUNGEON. This grim feature hopefully will not be needed. One occupant has carved the date 1536 into the wall.
Breakfast is served in the cozy ground floor kitchen, ensconced between 9 foot thick defensive walls. Evening meals are available on request and are served in the Great Hall of the castle. This candle lit room is warmed by the large 15th century fireplace. Ballytarsna-Hackett Castle is centrally located in County Tipperary. Situated in the countryside on 3 beautiful acres, we are only 10 minutes from the tourist town of Cashel and Thurles, which contain good pubs and restaurants. We are in the middle of many historic tourist attractions. Dublin airport is 1 hour 40 minutes by car and Shannon airport is 1 hour 30 minutes. Come and stay in THE BEST RESTORED CASTLE TOWERHOUSE IN IRELAND. Come and see for yourself why we make this statement. It is warm, dry and free of the dampness found in other castles. We have spared no expense or effort to eliminate these things from Ballytarsna. Simply the best!
Finally, a word of caution; There are 64 stone steps to reach your room. USE EXTREME CAUTION ON THESE STEPS. There is no wheel chair accessibility and you should be fairly fit to make this climb. This building is a listed ancient monument and there is strictly no smoking or pets allowed. We look forward to having you as our guest and hope you will enjoy a unique and rewarding experience in this fine medieval fortress.
See the Guidebook to see all the things to see and do within an hour of the castle. You can easily spend 3 days here seeing them all. There is much history and monuments all around us.
Guest access
Once you are here, feel free to use the Great Hall as a sitting room along with us or without us. Make yourself at home!
IF YOU ARRIVE BEFORE 6PM, you will be greeted with home made scones and tea..
We have a range of medieval male and female costumes available.. All sizes and colours as well as authentic jewellery, headpieces and belts...You are welcome to enjoy wearing them and we are always happy to take photos for you...
During your stay
We'll be around most of your stay if you need help with anything at all.
Just ask!
Other things to note
Due to the steep 64 stone steps to the top floor our home is not suitable for kids under 8 years..Parents would have to carry younger kids up and down and this is not an easy journey ! Total supervision is required at all times with kids for safety reasons in our unique home. USE EXTREME CAUTION ON THE STAIRS.
