Ardee Castle

Ardee Castle also known as St. Leger's Castle, is a fortified medieval tower house in Ireland. Built in the 15th century, the castle was used as a prison during the 17th and 18th centuries and became Ardee's district courthouse until June 2006 when a specialized facility took its place. Ardee Castle is the largest fortified medieval Tower House in Ireland or Britain.[1][2] The castle was originally built[3] by Roger de Peppard in 1207, but not much is left from the original walls.

See also: Ardee and Ardee Community School

Ardee Castle
St. Leger's Castle
LocationArdee,
County Louth, Ireland
Coordinates53.8551°N 6.5387°W / 53.8551; -6.5387
Built15th century
OwnerState
Location of Ardee Castle in Ireland

The castle

The rectangular building stands four storeys high. with turrets situated at the north-west and south-west angles, the main entrance was protected by a machicolation on the outside, with a 'murder-hole' on the interior.

The ground floor has a rounded barrel vault, and access to the upper storeys is by means of a stairway in the north-west turret.

As the structure has been in continuous use, most of the windows have been replaced and modernized over time, however a twin-light ogee-arched window survives at ground level and three single looped, internal splay windows survive on the fourth floor.[4]

History

St. Leger's Castle was built in the 15th century by John St. Leger and it served as a stronghold for the defense of the Pale. Over the years it was fought over by the O’Neills and the English and was even used by James II as his headquarters prior to the Battle of the Boyne. In 1641 Sir Phelim O’Neil took possession of the town and set up the Irish Army headquarters, but on the retreat the town and castle were retaken by the English Forces under the command of Sir Henry Tichborne, a garrison was then placed and O'Neil's rearguard was defeated.[4][5]

Location

St Leger's Castle is located on Castle Street in Ardee.

References
  1. Smallman, Tom (1996). Ireland. Lonely Planet Publications. ISBN 9780864423528.
  2. "Ardee Courthouse Opens". www.courts.ie. Court Service Ireland. 6 June 2006. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
  3. "Irish Castles in Louth County | Smarmore Clinic". www.smarmore-rehab-clinic.com. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
  4. "Where Ferdia fell: Ardee, Co Louth" (PDF). Archaeology Ireland Heritage Guide. 73: 6. Summer 2016.
  5. Illustrated guide to Ireland. Goodreads. 1969. pp. 180–182. ISBN 9780276420337.
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