The main building is a fortified tower from the 16th century which has recently undergone preservation repairs by the Office of Public Works. Following the death of Black Torn Butler in 1614, his nephew, Walter Butler of Kilcash (known as Walter of the Beads) became the 11th Earl of Ormond but he spent most of the rest of his life in prison. His grandson, James Butler became the first Duke of Ormond, was influential at the court of Charles II, founded the Royal Hospital Kilmainham and the Royal Irish College of Physicians and built the Main Guard in Clonmel as the HQ of the Tipperary Palatinate.

The famous song, “A lament for Kilcash” – “Cad a dheanfaimid feasta gan adhmad….” mourns the death of Margaret Butler Viscountess Iveagh who died in 1744.