The north side, with the gatehouse to the left.
Fethard Castle
Hall-House
At first sight the castle at Fethard-on-Sea looks really impressive. But as I approached I could see the green fence completely surrounding the castle was going to deny access. The north side of the building, pictured left, is in such a poor state of repair the fence is quite understandable. After the Norman invasion in 1169 these lands were granted to Hervey de Montmorency by his brother-in-law Strongbow. Hervey gave the land and churches to Christchurch Canterbury. In about 1200 they granted the town of Fethard to Richard de Londres on the condition he would be build a castle there.
Richard de Londres may have built a wooden castle on top of the motte east of the present castle. There is evidence of a fosse surrounding the low mound. In lieu of a settlement of other claims the land was passed to the Bishop of Ferns some time around 1230. The present 15th century castle may have been built by as a summer residence by the then Bishop of Ferns. It was built as two discrete households with an earlier gatehouse at the the eastern end of the southern residence. This gatehouse may have been part of a bawn
In 1634 Bishop Thomas Ram granted the lands to Sir Nicholas Loftus, the son of Sir Dudley Loftus of Kilcloggan. The castle was occupied up until the early 20th century. During this time it underwent several modifications including alterations to the windows and south west tower.
Situated: In the centre of Fethard-on-Sea. On the east side of the R734. From Wellington Bridge take the R733 west. Then turn left onto the R734 for the Hook Peninsula.
Discovery Map 76: S 7930 0524. Last visit April 2015.
Longitude: 6° 50' 24" W
Latitude: 52° 11' 36" N
Photos: Jim Dempsey.
