Ardfinnan Castle

Ardfinnan Castle, County Tipperary Photo © Mike Searle, 23 June 2009

Ardfinnan Castle, County Tipperary Photo © Mike Searle, 23 June 2009

Ardfinnan Castle, is a castle which was built circa 1186 to guard the river crossing in Ardfinnan (Ard Fhíonáin in Irish) in south County Tipperary, Ireland. It is situated on the river Suir, seven miles to the west from Clonmel. The castle is currently privately owned and is not open for public viewing.

The Castle is positioned on a large rocky incline and it looks out over the Suir valley with the Knockmealdown Mountains to the south, and the Galtee Mountains to the northwest.



The castle was built in 1186 by the Earl of Morton for Prince John of England, and after being taken by General Ireton, was garrisoned by Cromwellian troops throughout the 1650's. The castle was restored and rebuilt in the 18 century and 19 century, with the exception of a 15 century tower. The castle together with the ancient bridge over the River Suir make an attractive group.