Lismore Castle

Lismore Castle

A castle above the river

In County Waterford, in the south of Ireland, the grey towers of Lismore Castle rise on a cliff high above the river Blackwater, framed by woods and gardens. It is one of the most romantically sited castles in Ireland, and for centuries it has been the Irish home of one of the grandest families in these islands, the Cavendishes, Dukes of Devonshire.

Ancient and royal roots

There has been an important settlement at Lismore for well over a thousand years; it was once a famous centre of learning and religion, with a great monastery. A castle was first built here in 1185, traditionally said to be on the orders of the future King John of England.

Over the centuries the castle passed through famous hands. For a time it belonged to Sir Walter Raleigh, the famous Elizabethan explorer and courtier, and later to Richard Boyle, the "Great Earl of Cork", one of the most powerful men in Ireland, whose son Robert Boyle — born at Lismore — became one of the founders of modern chemistry and science.

The Dukes of Devonshire

In the 1700s Lismore passed by marriage to the Cavendish family, the Dukes of Devonshire, who own it to this day. In the 1800s the sixth Duke, known as the "Bachelor Duke", rebuilt the castle on a grand and romantic scale in the Gothic style, with the help of leading architects and designers. The result is the dramatic fairytale castle we see today, perched above the river.

The castle has welcomed many famous guests over the years, including writers, artists and statesmen, and the famous astronomer and scientist connections give it a special place in the history of ideas.

Magnificent gardens

Lismore is especially famous for its gardens, among the oldest continually cultivated gardens in Ireland. They include a walled upper garden dating back to the 1600s, with terraces, flowers and vegetables, and a lower garden of winding woodland walks, fine trees and views of the castle. Modern sculpture is displayed among the greenery, blending old and new.

The gardens are open to visitors and are one of the chief delights of a trip to Lismore.

A living castle

Lismore Castle remains a private home of the Devonshire family and is not generally open inside to the public, though it can be rented for special occasions. But its gardens and a contemporary art gallery in the grounds welcome visitors, and the castle's dramatic profile above the river can be admired from the town and the surrounding countryside.

Visiting today

Visitors can explore the famous gardens, with their historic walled garden and woodland walks, and visit the art gallery in the castle grounds, all while enjoying views of the romantic castle above the Blackwater. The charming heritage town of Lismore, with its cathedral and history, lies close by. Romantic, historic and beautifully sited, Lismore Castle is one of the grandest castles in the south of Ireland.