What is recorded here

Castle, unclassified in Rathvilly: Hugh de Lacy built it, Edward III granted it in 1347, it broke in 1650, and people lived there until about 1736. What remains is a level rectangular platform, fifty metres long and forty wide, with a shallow northern dip and perhaps an oval enclosure around it. The castle is gone, but its shadow still lies across the field, waiting for someone to walk the missing rooms.

The following description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Carlow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 July 2007 Approximately rectangular, level platform (50m N-S, 40m E-W; H at N 1.5m, at S c. 0.5m). Slight depression at base of platform at N. Castle may have stood in oval enclosure. According to Keogh (Carloviana 1983, 10-11), castle built by Hugh de Lacy, was mentioned in 1347 in grant from Edward III to Duke of Norfolk, and was severely damaged in 1650 but rebuilt and used as residence until c. 1736.

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