The Remains of a replica Norman Castle outside Thurles in North Tipp

By www.germot-keller.com shared under CC BY 3.0 

Its amazing what stories you come across randomly, like this one about plans to build a replica of the above Warwick Castle outside Thurles at a place called Brittas.

It seems that there was an original castle here that was burnt down around 1820 and that the landowner, Major Henry Langley, then intended to build a full scale replica of Warwick Castle in it's place. Work was started but was abandoned in 1834 when Major Langley was struck by a stone on site and died.

What remains on site are the uncompleted works and a residence has now been built on the site of the castle.

From www.buildingsofireland.ie

Some more photos of the uncompleted works here.

Such a pity that it wasn't completed, it would have been an amazing sight in the Irish countryside and surely a big tourist attraction for the area.

A bit about Warwick Castle from wikipedia

"Warwick Castle is a medieval castle developed from a wooden fort, originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068. Warwick is the county town of Warwickshire, England, situtated on a bend of the River Avon. The original wooden motte-and-bailey castle was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. During the Hundred Years War, the facade opposite the town was refortifed, resulting in one the most recognisable examples of 14th century military architecture. It was used as a strongbold until the early 17th century".

Please note the remains that do exist are on private property and are not viewable from the roadside.