Maudlin Castle, Medieval tower house in Kilkenny, Ireland.
Maudlin Castle is a stone tower in Kilkenny that rises 25 meters high with four floors and a stair turret leading to battlements. The thick walls at the base demonstrate the sturdy construction typical of medieval defensive structures.
The castle was built in the early 1500s as part of Saint Mary Magdalene Hospital, which operated as one of Ireland's major medical facilities starting in 1327. This long period of operation shows how important the institution remained in the local community.
The name comes from a connection to Saint Mary Magdalene, reflecting how medieval Irish communities dedicated their hospitals to religious figures. This sacred link shaped local identity and the way people thought about healing and charity.
The site is located on Maudlin Street in Kilkenny, positioned east of Kilkenny College and north of the River Nore. Its central location makes it easy to reach when exploring the medieval core of the town.
Archaeological digs near the castle uncovered remains of meals eaten by medieval residents, including beef, mutton, bacon, and game birds. These findings offer a rare glimpse into what daily life and food habits were actually like for people who lived at this location.
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