use of the castle as restaurant and private residence. Their work returned much of the castle to its former 15th century state while encompassing and retaining later additions that chronicle the continuous occupation of the castle. The Andrews later leased part of the castle to the Irish Government as a cultural and tourist facility for a nominal rent. Today Shannon Development purchased the castle in 1996. Today, the castle is used as a venue for weddings and medieval banquets and offers guided tours. Dating from 1817, the garden is now restored to its former state. The walls of the garden have been refurnished with climbing roses, grapevines and many varieties of clematis. There is also a whiskey named "Knappogue Castle" produced by the Castle Brands company, currently bottling liquor produced by Bushmills. References External links Shannon Heritage.com - official site National Inventory of Architectural Heritage - Castle National Inventory of Architectural Heritage - Gateway Castles in County Clare Historic house museums in the Republic of Ireland Museums in County Clare Gardens in County Clare