Leighlinbridge Castle

Leighlinbridge Castle was built on the site of Black Castle with the purpose of defending the bridge of Leighlin over the River Barrow. The present day castle dates to the 16^th century, and is a rectangular 3 storey tower. Over the entrance, in the east wall, hangs a machicolation, the south-west corner of the castle has collapsed. The ground floor had a barrel vaulted ceiling. A mural staircase gave access to the attic floor and a spiral staircase led to the vault above. Window seats with narrow opes are visible in the north, south, and west walls.

Leighlinbridge Castle was built in 1547 for Sir Edward Bellingham, Lord Deputy of Ireland. The 1^st Earl of Castlehaven, George Tuchet, was granted the castle in 1604. In 1650 the castle was destroyed by Col. John Hewson during the Irish Confederate Wars.

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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014