The whole fortress is built upon a rock, which on one side descends precipitously to the Blackwater, the base being clothed with trees.
The Earl of Cork employed “a free Mazon of Bristol” during his alterations. The modern improvements were principally designed by Sir Joseph Paxton.
The main door has an Ionic porch executed in Bath-stone, said to have been the work of Inigo Jones.
The hall is square, and is used as a billiard-room. A stone stairway ascends on the left side of the entrance. The present banqueting hall was originally a chapel, and has a Gothic roof of open woodwork. The drawing-room contains a large bay window overhanging the river, known as “King James’s Window.” During his stay in Ireland in 1689, he spent a night in the castle, and dining in this room, he approached the window, but started back when he saw the depth below.
The sword and mace of Youghal are exhibited in the hall, where is also the Pastoral Staff of Lismore, which was discovered built up in a doorway of the castle with a valuable Irish manuscript book, since called the “Book of Lismore.”
In 1181 Cullen O’Cullane, and O’Phelan, Prince of the Decies, attacked the fortress, which had been somewhat hastily constructed, and they killed fifty to eighty of the garrison and razed the stronghold.
LISMORE CASTLE.
Prince John, Earl of Morton, landing at Waterford in 1185, rebuilt the castle on a larger scale.