Tyrrellspass Castle[1], dating back to circa 1411, is situated in the town of Tyrrellspass, Co. Westmeath, on the west side of the village. It is the only remaining castle of the Tyrrells, who came to Ireland around the time of the Norman Invasion.
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The castle is approx 20 metres high and follows the general pattern of tower houses, stone built, essentially defensive and comprising a series of superimposed chambers. The original spiral staircase and one of the original roof beams dating from 1280, can still be seen today. Alongside the entrance door is a "murder hole" through which intruders could be attacked.
Tyrellspass is the modern name for Fartullagh, where in 1597 Captain Richard Tyrrell, a chief ally of Aodh Mór Ó Néill in the Nine Years War, won a major victory against English crown forces in what has become known as the Battle of Tyrrellspass.
During the Cromwellian invasion of 1650, it is said the castle occupants suffered a great deal and many were executed.
After a tumultuous history of intrusion, the castle was extensively restored in the 1970s.
During the early 1990s, the building was converted into a modern restaurant. Today it operates under the name Tyrrellspass Castle Restaurant.[2] It also hosts medieval banquets.