Desmond Hall, Newcastle West

West Limerick has many of Ireland's surviving medieval halls, and the Desmond Banqueting Hall in the centre of Newcastle West is one of the most impressive. It was begun in the 13th century by Thomas FitzGerald, known as the Ape from the story that an ape carried him as a baby from his cradle to the top of Tralee Castle and back. Most of what stands, the hall, the vaulted chamber below it and the adjoining tower, dates from the 15th century, when the earls of Desmond were at the height of their power and held frequent, lavish banquets here. The oak musicians' gallery has been fully restored, and there is a hooded limestone fireplace. The castle withstood many sieges and was lived in until the 1930s. Free guided tours of about 40 minutes run in summer for up to 15 people, and visitors can sit at the head table. The hall stands off The Square, and pairs well with a visit to Listowel Castle.