{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/66507c02c0852400120b7078/6a2907a2a917ce4c70aeec71?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Ballynahow Castle: The Rare Circular Tower House of County Tipperary","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/66507c02c0852400120b7078/1781073616209-9fe5b841-f27e-44cc-910e-6b30acbac1e4.jpeg?height=200","description":"<h3>Join Bernice Cooke on <em>Whispering Stones</em> as we journey to <strong>Ballynahow Castle</strong>, a remarkably preserved <strong>16th-century tower house in County Tipperary</strong>, located just outside Thurles on the banks of the Farneybridge River. </h3><h3><br></h3><h3>Unlike most Irish tower houses, Ballynahow Castle's rare circular design makes it a fascinating example of <strong>medieval Irish architecture</strong>.</h3><h3>In this brief but engaging episode, discover the story of the <strong>Purcell family</strong>, the origins of Ireland's tower houses following the <strong>1429 statute of King Henry VI</strong>, and how these fortified homes shaped life in medieval Ireland. </h3><h3><br></h3><h3>Explore the castle's defensive features, spiral staircase, vaulted chambers, and learn why this unique structure remains one of Tipperary's hidden historical treasures.</h3><h3>Perfect for lovers of <strong>Irish history, castles, medieval architecture, and the hidden heritage of Ireland</strong>.</h3>","author_name":"Bernice Cooke"}