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Clonmantagh Castle began its life in the 1430s and was inhabited
as a watchtower and home until the farmhouse beside the castle
was built in the mid-19th century. The buildings are linked,
as the castle's door is inside the farmhouse, which would have
been typical at the time. It was a good way of building a new
home while still being able to take advantage of original space
in the keep. The construction of the tower is typical of the
era, with thick walls, few windows and narrow stone stairs to
upper floors.
The tower and farmhouse have been modernized and updated over
the years to include five self-catering rooms in the tower that
are decorated in a quaint country style. While every effort
has been made to retain the medieval time period of the house,
the decor is more Victorian and includes many modern amenities,
including running water, central heating, electricity and glass
in the windows. Due to the nature of the architecture, amenities
are basic, but fully functioning. This all lends to the atmosphere
of staying in a period property. This includes a stone carving
known as a sheela-na-gig, a pagan symbol of a nude woman, on
one of the walls.
The property itself includes the 15th century tower house and
attached 19th century farmhouse, as well as a 12th century parish
church and dovecote within the bawn walls. Guests are free to
roam the grounds to explore this part of Ireland's history while
staying here. On one side of the tower is evidence of another
previously attached structure, which was most likely the medieval
banqueting hall. The farmhouse was built on the foundation of
this earlier hall.
Please note that his property is part of a working farm, so
the main gate must be kept closed at all times, and livestock
must remain undisturbed.
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