The original Foulksrath Castle was constructed for the De Frene family in 1349. In the early fifteenth century, the Purcell family took up residence and rebuilt the castle. It is this incarnation that we see today.

In more recent times, the castle served as a popular youth hostel before it closed for restoration work. The work has since been completed and I believe the property opens from time to time for themed events, but the castle itself is essentially now a private residence.

There are of course some stories attached to Foulksrath Castle.

The Foulksrath estate was one of many that was confiscated by Cromwell’s forces. One of his officers, named Bradshaw, took the castle. He allowed the Purcell family to remain on the land but was wary of them given the history. He was also a strict leader, and this made him a fearful and unpopular character. He employed guards to keep watch over his property and his family at all times and would inspect them on occasion to make sure that they were alert and ready for any incoming attacks. On one of his random inspections, Bradshaw discovered a guard asleep at his post in the battlements. He was infuriated. A gatekeeper heard a commotion coming from the tower and rushed to the site, to see the exhausted guard pleading for mercy, but no pity was shown and the ruthless Bradshaw decided to make an example of him. With the help of the gatekeeper, Bradshaw threw the guardsman from the battlements. This fateful night took place one November, and it is for this reason that hurried footsteps are heard each year on the 29th of November, as if the watchman was hurrying back to his post to appease his angry master.

The second ghost story is just as unforgiving. Many years ago, a young woman – the only daughter in a high-profile family, was destined for great things. She was well liked and well respected in her community, but her strict upbringing left her in no doubt as to what was expected of her. She happened to fall in love with a young man, but he was not considered at all suitable by her father, and she was accused of bringing shame on the family. Despite her promise, she was locked away in the tower and eventually died there alone. Some versions of the story imply that her father was called away to war and that this is why she was alone, but either way she was totally forgotten. Her sad spirit has been seen, peering out of one of the windows. Her presence was also detected by past guests, who would feel overcome by intense sadness as they looked out of the window. Some even claimed to have spotted her reflection in the glass, as if she was standing behind them.

A third ghost is said to be that of a lady in white, who has been spotted in the castle and its grounds. This spirit appears content and some have claimed that this is the ghost of Lady Margaret Butler, who is also believed to walk the gardens of Kilkenny Castle. Her presence is also said to be announced by the scent of wildflower and lilac.