The largest medieval tower house in Ireland

The first castle recorded in Ardee was built by Roger de Peppard in 1207. This was to defend the strategic location between the lands of the Anglo-Norman in Leinster and Northern O’Neills. In the 15th century, John St. Ledger rebuilt Ardee Castle for the same reasons. In 1641 Sir Phelim O’Neil took possession of the town and set up The Irish Army Headquarters in the castle. It was soon retaken and a garrison was installed by English Forces under the command of Sir Henry Tichborne. This garrison was commanded to destroy the town prior to Cromwell’s arrival but luckily these orders were not carried out. James II and William of Orange both stayed, (at different times!), in Ardee Castle prior to the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. The castle was handed over to the Louth Grand Jury in 1810 and converted into a courthouse and prison.

Thanks to John Rafferty for excellent tour guide on Ardee Castle