Built in 1185 by Prince John on the site of an earlier monastery, Lismore later passed through owners including Sir Walter Raleigh and Richard Boyle, 1st Earl of Cork, before the Cavendish family (Dukes of Devonshire) acquired it in 1753. The 6th Duke gave the castle its present romantic silhouette above the River Blackwater in the mid-19th century.
Visiting Lismore Castle
Gardens and Lismore Castle Arts gallery open to the public; interior available for private group hire only.
Where to stay nearby
The closest castle hotel is Lismore Castle, 0.82 km away in Lismore — Castle dating from 1170, owned by the Duke of Devonshire's family (Cavendish) since 1753, built on the site of a 12th-century fortification granted to King John.
Lismore Castle
Lismore, Co. Waterford · luxury exclusive-use
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