Tyrrellspass Castle

Tyrrellspass, County Westmeath, Ireland, Ireland

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Tyrrellspass Castle is a well-preserved medieval tower house located in the village of Tyrrellspass, County Westmeath, Ireland. Built around 1410 by the Anglo-Norman Tyrrell family, it stands as the only surviving castle associated with the family and has overlooked this historic route through the Irish Midlands for over 600 years. The five-storey stone castle features classic defensive elements such as battlements, a spiral staircase, and a murder hole above the entrance. It also played a role in Irish history, particularly during the Nine Years’ War, when nearby forces led by Richard Tyrrell defeated an English army in 1597. After periods of decline, the castle was carefully restored in the late 20th century and is now home to a restaurant and museum. Its combination of medieval architecture, rich history, and modern use makes it one of County Westmeath’s most distinctive and accessible historic landmarks.