Things to see or do
Amenities
- Access: direct from the river towpath.
Black Castle
Leighlinbridge
Carlow
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Ireland South
The original Black Castle, built in 1181, was one of the earliest Norman fortresses in Ireland. It was granted to John de Claville by Hugh de Lacy, the powerful Norman baron who governed Ireland for Henry II. The present castle was built by Sir Edward Bellingham in 1547 and fell to Cromwell's forces in 1650. the present castle is reported to have been built by Sir Edward Bellingham in 1547. The site was long held by the Kavanaghs and the Butlers and was also occupied by Sir Peter Carew and the Bagenals. All that remains today is the west half of a 14th Century round tower and part of the bawn.Access direct from the river towpath.
