Once one of Ireland’s finest Norman castles

Ferns Castle was originally the stronghold of Diarmaid McMurrough the King of Leinster (1110-1171). He was the king who invited Strongbow and the Normans into Ireland in 1169 to help strengthen and save his collapsing kingdom. This castle was built about 40 years later by the great Norman knight William Marshall in 1220. It passed to the Kavanaghs, who in turn held it until 1540 after which it was staffed by a succession of English governors. Over its lifetime the castle has been sacked, damaged, and modified several times. The Norman chapel inside is regarded as the finest of its kind in the country. It has a magnificent vaulted ceiling and three windows to light the interior. The castle would have originally been square with four large towers at each corner. It is still possible to climb to the top of one of these towers and enjoy the spectacular view of the surrounding lush countryside. It is only when you see this view that the strategic importance of the castle can be appreciated.

Thanks to Bailey & Blake Video Productions for an excellent video on the history of Ferns