Ballybur Castle

Ballybur Castle: Kilkenny

BALLYBUR CASTLE is a self catering holiday home in the beautiful county of Kilkenny, Ireland. The 16th century tower house has been restored to it's former glory using the techniques and materials of the original builders.

Entrance & Kitchen
The ground floor was originally used to store goods, but also people and livestock in times of danger. Now it has a fully fitted kitchen, with every modern convenience that you would find at home. You can therefore cook a medieval feast without the medieval cooking appliances. Going through the back door, you enter a secluded south facing patio area with a large fireplace which can be used for a BBQ or open fire. Garden furniture is supplied.

First Floor

Master Bedroom & Bathroom

The first floor was once used for sleeping and storage, now it consists of an immense bedroom with a four poster bed and niches in the walls for sleeping. It is an ideal family room or honeymoon suite.

On this floor there is also a smaller double room and a very elegant bathroom. The bathroom contains a victorian bath (The biggest we've ever seen!) along with all the modern conveniences one expects.

Second Floor

Dining Room
On the second floor you enter a substantial room with deep niches in the walls which were once used as beds. During the daytime these niches were covered by hanging tapestries and the room was used as a living space. Now this floor is a huge double height dining room, complete with chandelier!

The room has a medieval stone fireplace, a long dining table with church pews seating up to 12 people. Off this room is a comfortable bedroom containing two beds and windows overlooking the castle grounds, there is also a small kitchen in which one can prepare light meals as well as a very elegant shower room with a toilet, shower and hand basin.

Third Floor

Chapel Room
The third floor, with it's vaulted ceiling, is now a bedroom. Once, this room was the family chapel. This floor also has a shower room with toilet and sink.
From a little hallway you can peep through a narrow doorway onto the dining room.

Fourth Floor

Drawing Room & Ramparts
The fourth and top floor, once the state apartment is now a magnificent baronial drawing room. The room has an oak beamed ceiling (left exposed), a stone fireplace and a giant chandelier, all help to maintain a traditional feel. There are several lounge seats, a table & chairs, plus a beautifully hand crafted swing in one of the alcoves.

Heavy curtains make the room very cosy in the evenings. There is a music installation and games are available. The four windows, each facing the cardinal points offer magnificent views. There is also a secret room, once used as a priests' hole or to keep prisoners. Stairs lead up to the ramparts, where on a fine day you can see Mount Leinster or Slievenamon.