Shankill Castle is a unique family home often described as a living museum. Shankill Castle was first built as a Butler tower-house near the ruins of a pre-reformation church. In 1708 it was rebuilt and set in a formal landscape, vista to the front and canal to the rear, by Peter Aylward.
In the 19th century it was enlarged and castellated, serpentine bays added to the canal and an unusualpolyhedral sundial given pride of place on a sunken lawn. The stable yard and castellated entrance to the demesne are attributed to Daniel Robertson. Nowadays visitors can take a guided tour of the castle and a walk around the gardens.
Visit in Spring for snowdrops, daffodils and tulips, Summer for the meadows, art exhibitions and sunshine walks, Autumn for the ScareFest, ghost tours and wand and quill making, Winter for drawing classes and winter workshops.
Shankill Castle is home and studio to artist Elizabeth Cope.
COVID 19
Under the Government’s approved Phase 1 of easing of Covid-19 restrictions from Monday 18th May 2020, please note:
During the COVID 19 pandemic Shankill Castle will remain closed until further notice, they are delaying opening until they are in a position to open the Shankill Restaurant and provide a full service.
Please check for further updates on Covid 19 restrictions for Shankill Castle on their website www.shankillcastle.com or email info@shankillcastle.com or telephone 059 9726145 and check the Carlow Tourism website.
Please continue to check the HSE website https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/ for further updates and continue to monitor our social media pages
