Emmel Castle
Emmel
Cloughjordan
Co. Tipperary

A Spectacular and Rare Irish Castle on Approx. 20 Acres of Private Woodlands.

Tucked deep within the tranquil beauty of the Irish Midlands, Emmel Castle is one of County Offaly’s most striking Historic Estates. A harmonious blend of Medieval fortification and Georgian refinement, this remarkable property includes a 15th-century Tower House and a graceful 17th-Century Country House—set on approximately 20 acres of private woodlands and gardens, in an area renowned for its scenic charm and historic depth.

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS

• Accommodation: Tower House + Country House
• Bedrooms: 3+
• Reception Rooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 3
• Land: 20 acres (Woodland, Gardens, Courtyard, Yard, Outbuildings)
• Location: 10 mins to Cloughjordan, 1.5 hrs to Dublin, 1 hr to Galway & Shannon Airport
• Status: Listed National Monument (SMR)

RICH IN HISTORY & CHARACTER

First constructed around 1450 as a stronghold of the O’Carroll Clan, Emmel Castle once stood among 25 castles under O’Carroll ownership across the region. In 1683, the elegant country house was added by “Long Anthony O’Carroll,” famously close to seven feet tall. Following the Cromwellian conquest, the estate was confiscated but later restored to the family during the monarchy’s return—eventually leaving O’Carroll ownership in the 18th century.
From the battlements, rising 90 feet, panoramic views stretch across Offaly, Limerick, Clare, Galway, and Tipperary.

THE BUILDINGS

Tower House (15th Century)
o Rectangular-plan with circular stair turret (N-E angle)
o Pitched slate roof with castellated parapets and bartizans
o Stone chimneystacks, loop openings, corbels, mural passages
o Defensive machicolations, castellated porch
o Historic Great Hall, Music Room, and Art Studio
o Master Bedroom, Family Bathroom
o All rooms with period fireplaces and latticed windows

Country House (1683 with 19th-century alterations)
o Pitched slate roof, terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks
o Timber sash windows with stucco surrounds
o Round-headed and square-headed door openings with stained glass, pilasters, fanlights
o Elaborate ceiling plasterwork in hallway
o Drawing Room & Living Room with historic fireplaces
o Kitchen, Butler’s Pantry, Laundry (Garden Level)
o Two Double Bedrooms, Two Bathrooms (First Floor)

OUTBUILDINGS & FEATURES

• Historic stone outbuildings with slate roofs
• Walled garden to the south-west of the house
• Courtyard accessed by wrought iron gates
• Stone and brick outbuilding dated 1883
• Ashlar gate piers with carved caps and sweeping boundary walls
• Bellcote, date plaques, external stairs, and timber/metal doors with Gothic and Classical detailing

LOCATION & LIFESTYLE

Set in a region steeped in heritage and natural beauty, Emmel Castle offers an exceptional rural lifestyle. The area is ideal for country pursuits including equestrian activities, fishing, shooting, water sports, and hiking.

Nearby:

• Local shops, traditional pubs, and live music venues
• Fine dining within easy reach
• Historic attractions and walking trails

Distances:

10 mins to Cloughjordan
20 mins to Portumna
1 hour to Galway & Shannon Airport
1.5 hours to Dublin & Dublin Airport

OUTBUILDINGS & FEATURES

Historic stone outbuildings with slate roofs.
Walled garden to the south-west of the house.
Courtyard accessed by wrought iron gates.
Stone and brick outbuilding dated 1883.
Ashlar gate piers with carved caps and sweeping boundary walls.
Bellcote, date plaques, external stairs, and timber/metal doors with Gothic and Classical detailing.


SERVICES

Water from private bore well, electricity, broadband, oil fired central heating and drainage by septic tank.


OUTSIDE

Private gardens, lawned areas, walled in garden/orchard and stone built outbuildings which are suitable for conversation in to self contained accommodation (subject to planning permission).


BER

BER Exempt


FEATURES

All magnificent period features have been retained.

Lower Ground Floor  
Banquet Hall 7.5m x 6.36m with large inglenook fireplace, open to storage area, also beamed ceiling.
Inner Hall 3.88m x 2.64m 
Plant Room 3.65m x 3.49m with 2 oil burners.
Kitchen 6.23m x 5.25m with country style kitchen, work island, double Belfast sink, parquet flooring/ flagged flooring.
Pantry 2.29m x 1.60m with shelving
Utility Room 4.03m x 2.79m plumbed for washing machine
Boot Room 5.95m x 5.64m with inglenook fireplace with solid fuel stove & beamed ceiling.
Prayer Room 4.23m x 3.86m with concrete floor & stained glass windows.
Ground Floor  
Family Room 15.3m x 5.99m with hardwood flooring, feature cast iron / mahogany fireplace, original shutters, ornate ceiling detail etc.
Shower Room 3.7m x 2.76m with W.C. & H.B. , heated towel rail, shower and timber paneling
Internal hall 2.21m x 1.05m with stairs to overhead accommodation.
“The Green Room" 7.75m x 6.5m with hardwood flooring, wall paneling.
First Floor  
Landing 3.86m x 2.3m 
“The Red Room" 8.64m x 6.53m with inglenook fireplace with limestone surround, beamed ceiling.
Bedroom One 6.35m x 6.02m with cast iron fireplace, hardwood floors.
Ensuite 2.87m x 1.99m with bath, W.C. & H.B. & heated towel rail (fully tiled).
Bedroom Two (Master) 6.08m x 5.72m with cast iron fireplace, hardwood floors.
Ensuite 2.84m x 1.71m with bath, W.C. & H.B.
Bedroom Three 3.74m x 2.79m with built-in wardrobe.
Second Floor  
Art Studio / Bedroom Four 8.48m x 6.47m with hardwood floors, large inglenook fireplace etc.
Third Floor  
Music Room 8.51m x 6.48m with hardwood floor, double height vaulted ceiling & natural stone walls.
Stairs to Battlement  

Nenagh (Irish: Aonach Urmhumhan) is a busy commercial town in Tipperary. In 2011 it had a population of 7,995. The town's historic attractions include Nenagh Castle, the Heritage Centre, and the ruined Franciscan abbey. Nenagh is situated on the R445 Regional Road, which links it to the M7. Bus Éireann offer services 24 hours a day to Dublin and Limerick, with JJ Kavanagh offering direct services to both Dublin and Shannon airports. Nenagh railway station is on the Limerick to Ballybrophy line. It is only 37 km from Thurles, which is on the main Dublin/Cork line.