Nenagh

Twenty miles/32km southwest of Roscrea on the N7, in a fertile plain, lies the town of Nenagh. Its main feature of interest is the massive keep of Nenagh Castle (early 13th C.; National Monument), a five-story round tower 100ft/30m high with walls up to 20ft/6m thick; the upper part is 19th century. Of the other towers of this pentagonal Norman stronghold of the Butlers there remains only one of the towers of the gatehouse.

An unusual museum can be found in Nenagh - housed in a building formerly used as a prison. The cells and the execution chamber are shown as they were in the 19th C. when prisoners were kept here. Biographical material explains the fate of 17 men who were hanged. In the adjoining governor's house can be seen reconstructions of 19th C. features: a classroom, a smithy, a shop and a kitchen.