castles historical wicklow

It is a ruin standing on a rocky promontory at the eastern end of the town. The castle was begun by Maurice Fitzgerald when he was granted the district in 1176, but his death a year later delayed its completion. In 1375 the castle was strengthened by William Fitzwilliam, whose descendants held the constableship for several generations. The castle was frequently attacked by the Irish and sometimes occupied by them. Early in the sixteenth century it was held by the O'Brynes, but they...

One of the few examples of a type of haled castle used in the 13th and 14th centuries, this castle was probably built by the Archbolds in the 13th century. Although rather ruined, sufficient remains to show that the ground floor was roofed by a continuous barrel vault, and imprints of the original plank shuttering can still be seen. The upper storey was divided into a number of rooms with large or small windows....

A rectangular castle with a barrel vault at the top of the third storey. There is a well-preserved fireplace in the second storey, and a turret stair leading to the roof. The castle is alleged to have been built in the early 14th century, but it could well be later. The English and Brian O'Toole defeated the Fitzgeralds here in a battle in 1547. Two other castles are said to have existed in the neighbourhood, but nothing remains of these....

The old 17th Century O' Toole castle has been modernised and is privately owned.
A British garrison occupied the castle during the 1798 rebellion and there is a memorial to 36 rebels who were executed following the uprising. The Croghan Valley is a very scenic drive which dips into Wexford and runs below Croghan Mountain to Coolgreany while Holt's Way Drive runs through the village....