Castle

Not marked on the 1841 or 1907 editions of the OS 6-inch maps. Unlocated castle within townland, associated with the Fitzpatrick family. Still standing in 1657, but only the foundations remained early in the nineteenth century (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 71, 92, 96, 351). No visible surface remains. Described by Carrigan as 'The castle from which Castlefleming derives its name, stood two or three perches north of Castlefleming 'Court'. It was 'in some repaire' in 1657. Only its foundations remained in the beginning of the 19th century, but even these were uprooted many years ago. The Court of Castlefleming, a building of about 1700, has been a ruin as long as anyone cane remember. In 1653 Edmund Fitzpatrick, Irish Papist, sone of Florence, Lord of Upper Ossory, and ancestor of the present Lord Castletown, forfeitied Clonemeene; Castlefleming ….. In 1665 Lt. John Gyles paid hearth-money for two hearths in 'Castleflemon' (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 351). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

The castle in Castlefleming (Heath) was associated with the Fitzpatrick family and was still standing in 1657, though by the early 19th century only its foundations remained. It is remembered as a local medieval stronghold linked to a prominent Irish family.