castles historical around carlow

Beside the small and appealing village of Clonegal is the 17th century  Clonegal Castle  or Century Huntington Castle as it also known.. The granite castle was built in 1695 by Lord Esmonde. The castle has been involved in histoical events and lengends. 

It also said to have two ghosts dwelling in the house aswell! 

On the grounds of the castle is the famed Yew tree avenue,  a canopy of yew tress that are said to be set by monks over 70...

It had a vault over the second storey and a passage-way around the top. In an adjoining garden there are remains of a bawn wall with slits for arrows or guns at the corner. The original 'Black Castle' was built here by Hugh de Lacy in 1180. This was superseded by a Carmelite Friary founded in 1260-70. The present castle is said to have been built by Sir Edward Bellingham in 1547. The site was long held by the Kavanaghs and the Butlers, and was also occupied by Sir Peter Carew and the Bagena...