Lea Castle

Portarlington

Lea Castle in Portarlington was possibly constructed under the direction of William Marshal in the early 13th century.

It was probably preceded by an earlier Motte and Baily type fortification, a large mound and encircling earth banking with a wooden structure on top of the mound.

It is one of a few early Anglo Norman stone built Castles still standing in Ireland .

Edward Bruce, a brother of the Scottish King Robert the Bruce and a one time claimant of Kingship of all Ireland burned the Castle in 1315 but it wasn't destroyed totally and passed into other hands as time progressed.

Edward is buried, minus his head, on the Hill of Faughart in County Louth.

The Castle has been associated with many different families throughout its chequered history passing back and forth continually.

Roughly two thirds of the Castle was blown up c. 1650 and it had been destroyed, partially destroyed and rebuilt several times in the previous centuries.

I've just a few photographs of the Castle posted here but with such substantial remains still "in situ" it's unfortunate the local authority haven't taken more of an interest in restoring it.

I think geographically it lies just across the County border from Offaly but is in County Laois.

I'm no expert on Castles but this particular Castle given its age, history and connections appears to me to be a badly neglected yet hugely important historical artifact of national importance.

Given in lies within the boundaries of Laois it's a piece of neighborhood heritage that would benefit from local government and council intervention to preserve and promote it as a place to visit and open it up to the public.