Castle and Priory — Aghmacart

It belonged to the Fitzpatrick family (Ireland Illustrated, 49). No other known historical references. Situated in a low lying area. No visible surface remains. This tower which is depicted on Francis Grose's illustration of the priory may have been a residential tower built onto the W end of the priory or it may have been a belfry because in the description of the remains of the priory he states that 'The engraving shows the passage into the vaults, which were extensive, and probably penetrated far under the building; and though the belfry is at present far short of its original altitude, yet may we, by what exists, form some judgement of its former height, which must have been considerable' (Ireland Illustrated). This building was later described by Carrigan as ' The castle, which was most likely the residence of the Canons, is stated by these who remember it, to have been as high and almost as large as that of Cullahill. It collapsed form the very foundations about the year 1850. The building attached to it on the east side was the Priory Church (LA034-019003-), or as the people call it, "the Friars Chapel". About 30 ft. of the east end of this chapel yet remains (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 238) 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