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
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.