This is the oldest public building in Ireland. The Main Guard is a distinctive and famous Clonmel landmark, built by James Butler, Duke of Ormonde in 1675. Since then it has been at the centre of the administrative life of the town, having been used as a courthouse, a toll house, a civic meeting place and eventually a barracks. The building has recently been restored to its appearance between 1673 and 1684 and it’s open to the public during the summer, when trained guides lead tours.
