Lismore Castle

Lismore Castle is located in the town of Lismore, in the County of Waterford in Ireland.  The castle sits on the site that was occupied by Lismore Abbey, which was established in the early 7^th century.  Lismore Castle was originally built in 1185 by Prince John and is situated high above the Blackwater River.  When the prince became king, he gave the fortress to the church and it was used as a Bishop’s Palace.  The castle was leased and later purchased by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1589 and he sold it to Richard Boyle, the first Earl of Cork in 1602.  Cork transformed the simple keep into a magnificent residence, which included castellated outer walls, a gatehouse, and additional apartments.  Lismore Castle passed to the Fourth Duke of Devonshire in 1753.  The Sixth Duke of Devonshire was responsible for the castle’s current appearance.  In the 19^th century, the duke hired architect William Atkinson to rebuild the fortress in the Gothic style, using cut stone from Derbyshire.  Nearly 30 years later the duke hired architect Sir Joseph Paxton to carry out additional improvements.  Lismore Castle is considered a luxury destination that is open to guests and available for exclusive hire.