Foulksrath Castle (Irish: Caislean Ratha) is a 15th century Anglo-Norman tower house located in Jenkinstown in County Kilkenny, Ireland.
It was built by the Purcell clan, who also constructed several others nearby. After over three centuries as owners, the family was reduced to living as peasants in the castle stables after it was confiscated by Oliver Cromwell and given to his officers after the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland. The castle was slated for demolition in 1946 but was saved by community support. It was renovated and opened as a hostel in 1948, making it the oldest hostel in Ireland. It operated in the An Óige (Irish Youth Hostel Association) network, which is affiliated with Hostelling International. The hostel is now permanently closed.
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Famous quotes containing the word castle:
“If, in looking at the lives of princes, courtiers, men of rank and fashion, we must perforce depict them as idle, profligate, and criminal, we must make allowances for the rich men’s failings, and recollect that we, too, were very likely indolent and voluptuous, had we no motive for work, a mortal’s natural taste for pleasure, and the daily temptation of a large income. What could a great peer, with a great castle and park, and a great fortune, do but be splendid and idle?”
—William Makepeace Thackeray (1811–1863)