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KILKEA CASTLE
Situated near Athy in the
Castledermot direction stands the impressive Kilkea Castle. Built in 1180 by DeLacy
the castle later became the family home to the Earl of Kildare. In 1414 the O'Moores
and O'Dempseys were defeated here by the Lord Justice. The castle was rebuilt in
1426 by Lord Kildare.
In 1634, the wife of the Earl of Kildare, Elizabeth Nugent gave the castle to the
Jesuits, who remained there until 1646. The castle was captured by Cromellian forces
under Colonel Hewson in 1650. It was restored in 1849, having been wreaked in
the1798 Rebellion.
The old church of Kilkea houses the Fitzgerald altar tomb where William Fitzgerald
was buried in 1623.
There is a pagan tumulus and
Christian burial ground on either side of the castle. |