Lismore Castle

Lismore was founded by St. Carthage in 636AD and by the 8th century had become an important seat for Monastic learning. Lismore Castle was first built by Prince John in 1185, and a round tower, dating from the 13th century still stands today.

The 'Book of Lismore', an illuminated manuscript dating back to the 15th century, and the Lismore Crozier from 1116, were both discovered hidden within the walls of Lismore Castle in 1814, and bear testimony to Lismore's long artistic tradition.

The Castle was the birthplace of Robert Boyle, the scientist whose name lives in ''Boyle's Law'' and was owned by Sir Walter Raleigh. Visitors to the gardens can wander in the footsteps of poets such as Spencer, Thackeray and Betjeman or even the dancing feet of Fred Astaire.

With such a strong artistic tradition, it is fitting that within the defensive walls of the Castle, the gardens contain a growing collection of contemporary sculpture, as well as the exhibitions in Lismore Castle Arts.