Charleville Castle.
Today I headed for Charleville Castle, Tullamore in Offaly. Follow the R421 out of Tullamore (town) past the County Council offices in the Mucklagh/Blueball direction and you'll see it signposted on the right about a Kilometre outside town.
There's a badly rutted forest road up to the Castle so it's not a spin for your best Carbon bike although a road bike with robust wheels is fine. That's what I used today.
Charleville is a "Gothic" style Castle and it is hugely imposing close up. Pictures fail to do it justice.
It was built for Charles William Bury, 1st Earl of Charleville between 1800 and 1812 and is referred to as "the finest example of Gothic Revival architecture in Ireland". After viewing it close up I can completely agree, it is stunning.
The Castle is run by Charleville Castle Heritage Trust and its volunteers and I presume upkeep and restoration work is ongoing. I didn't go inside on this occasion so I can't comment on the interior just yet but if its anything like the outside it should be a treat.
It appears as if there are ownership and legal issues at play here as to the reason why this Castle hasn't been given more care and attention. This one of a kind site deserves to be centre stage. It should be a showcase for Tullamore with national exposure. It's up there with the best of them. A beautiful building which with the right funding could be an international attraction.
There was a sign on the front door (Feb/2019) : Tours @ 12, 2, and 4 p.m. €8 per adult. I'll be back for the tour another day... Looking forward to it. Phone in advance to check if open.
If you are at the gates shown in the picture you are on the wrong side. Lynagh is also signposted here but don't head for Lynagh. Go through the roundabouts in the direction of the town and you'll get there.
Charleville Castle Website
Discover Ireland Charleville Castle