Leighlinbridge Castle

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Leighlinbridge Castle, also called Black Castle, is situated in the village of Leighlinbridge, County Carlow, Ireland, on the River Barrow, and was one of Ireland’s earliest Norman castles. A 50ft tall broken castle tower and bawn wall are all that can be seen today.[1]

The Black Castle on the River Barrow in Leighlinbridge
The Black Castle on the River Barrow in Leighlinbridge

[edit] History

One source says that in 1180 Hugh de Lacy built the first castle here to defend the river crossing,[2][3] while another states that in 1181, John de Clahull built one of the earliest strongholds of The Pale here. The present building is, however, a 14th century Tower house. Beside the castle was a Carmelite priory, founded in 1270.[4] During the 14th century, the Kavanaghs reclaimed most of their land in the area, including the castle.[2] The castle was rebuilt in 1547 by Edward Bellingham as Black Castle and a band of horse was kept there, under whose protection, the county slowly settled. The castle was situated in the Barony of Idrone owned by the Carews.[5] The castle was sacked by Cromwellian forces in 1650 during the Irish Confederate Wars.[1]

[edit] Features

A broken castle tower, 50 feet tall, and the bawn wall compose the ruins seen today.[1] All that remains is the left half of the 14th century tower and part of the bawn.[2][3]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c [anirelandattraction.com/ireland-attractions/leighlinbridge-castle.htm Leighlinbridge Castle]. An Ireland Attraction. Retrieved on 2007-12-10.
  2. ^ a b c Leighlinbridge Castle. South East Ireland.com. Retrieved on 2007-12-10.
  3. ^ a b Leighlinbridge Castle. Carlow Tourism - Castles. Retrieved on 2007-12-10.
  4. ^ Leighlinbridge Castle. Go Ireland.com. Retrieved on 2007-12-10.
  5. ^ Biography of Sir Nicholas Bagenal. Bagnall Village.com. Retrieved on 2007-12-10.