Castle

Ballykilcavan House (LA014-099002-) possibly built on site of or in close proximity to the medieval castle of Ballykilcavan which was granted to Robert Hartpole in 1576. The house stands on a low rise of ground S of the Stradbally River. This location matches closely the area where the castle is depicted on the Cotton map of Laois-Offaly dating from c. 1563 (Hore 1863, f.p. 345). The head of a Tudor arch window (LA014-099001-) located in the back garden of Ballykilcavan House (LA014-099002-) is all that survives of the levelled medieval castle. The precise location of the castle has not been identified. The castle may have been located on the grounds of Ballykilcavan House. Alternatively the house may have been built on the site of the castle. In 1576 Robert Hartpole of Carlow was granted the ‘manor of the Blackeforde (LA014-045----), a castle in Monyferricke (LA014-100----), Rathmadocke alias the Blackeforde, the lands of Moniferick, Rathmadock alias the Blackeforde, Kilteighan, Garrans, Kilgessin, Ballekilkavan, Dromlin alias Killiclery, Inche alias Ballicowley, and Bavon an old castle in Colvanacre (LA008-015----) alias Colbanahore [Coolbanagher], the lands of Colvanacre alias Colbanahore, Ballarighan, Killgenne, Ballenebeg, Shanebeg, Ballemolrone, and Ballenestraghe, the lands of Shrowle [Shrule] (LA032-012001-), Ballyhormer, Ballecollin, Rathduf, Garribriken, Aghatenan, and Cappescribedor, in the lordship of Slemarge, a ruinous castle and lands in Clonrere [Clonreher] (LA013-019----) alias Merickeston, lands in Cultwerin, Killclonhoberd, Ballekillkaraghe, Knockandiere, Rathnemanaghe, and lands of Killehide, Ballehide, Garrenoe, Ballinecard, Farrinduf, Rossemore, and Ballim’Kegane, in the lordship of Slemarge, the lands of Ballirahen, Rossenalgan, Garroughe, Dormoile, and Capoile, or Cappahoile, in the same lordship; the advowson of the rectory of S. Fenton [Fintan], of Clowenenaghe [Clonenagh] (LA017-003001-), diocese of Leighlen, all in Queen’s co.. To hold for ever, by the service of a fouth part of a knight’s fee; rent £26 1s. 2d., Maintaining six English horsemen’ (Nicholls 1994, 376). Around 1639 the lands and castle of Ballykilcavan were acquired by Oliver Walsh who commenced the building of a house (LA014-099002-) on the site of the medieval castle (pers. comm. David Walsh-Kemmis). Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 11 November 2015

Built in the late 16th century, Castle Ballykilcavan was granted to Robert Hartpole in 1576 during the Tudor period of English expansion in Ireland. It is remembered as part of the colonial administrative network established in the region.