forts historical tipperary

Durlas Eile (strong fort of Eliogarty) , now anglicised to Thurles, sits astride the river Suir. Like Nenagh and Clonmel it owes its development to the Norman Butlers. Remains of two of their fortresses survive - the 15th century tower house guarding the bridge and, at the other end of the square and hidden behind shops, the one-time home of lady Thralls , mother of James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormond....

Large and imposing hilltop ring fort. On private land....

On the right approaching Nenagh, is a signpost for a ring-fort with three concentric banks which may have been a meeting place and the site of an ancient fair. Two massive stones which once formed the gates of entry to the fort are lying in a field outside the north - eastern part of the fort. In the interior of the fort is a simple 15th century church, choked in undergrowth , and possibly built by the O'Kennedys....