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Doneraile Castle

in the southwest of Ireland, Tipperary, the Butler family was given control of the area by Queen Elizabeth I. This is just one of the castles in the area not too far from Waterford.

Doneraile Castle Approach
The castle from the approach
Butler Doneraile Castle
If I remember correctly this is the Butler who saved Elizabeth from potential violence when her half brother became king. She was whisked away to Ireland for safety
Famous book Doneraile Castle
A copy of a famous book written by one of the attendees of the castle
Steeplechase cup Doneraile Castle
A commemorative cup of the bicentennial steeplechase race. A horse race from one church steeple to another church steeple of a certain distance which I believe is 5.7 km is called a steeplechase. This steeplechase, 200 years ago was the first one. Saint ledger is the name given to this fellow, not that he was a saint but he was the Lord of the area.
Last inhabitant Bill Smale
The last inhabitant of the castle
Elizabeth Bowen, a well-known writer of the time Bill Smale
This Elizabeth was a close friend of the last inhabitant of the castle and wrote many books. When she sold her castle, very close to this one, she had built a small house for herself and she told her friends that it was the first time in her life she was ever warm. These castles are very cold and difficult to heat
Bottle window Bill Smale
A famous architect designed this castle including this beautiful foyer glass window made up partly from the ends of bottles
Silver mirror Bill Smale
A very unusual mirror. It is made up of 95% silver and that’s why it has not developed the tarnishing that mirrors tend to get overtime. It is said that the kids used to bounce balls off of it
Original dining room set Bill Smale
Most of the original furnishings were left

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