Carbury Castle

Carbury Castle, County Kildare Photo © Adam Quinan, 14 August 2006

Carbury Castle Mausoleum Photo © Adam Quinan, 14 Aug. 06

Carbury (Irish: Cairbre), also formerly spelt "Carbery", is a village in north-west County Kildare, Ireland. It is situated between Enfield and Edenderry, near the border with County Offaly. The source of the River Boyne is located just north of the village.

The area is dominated by the ruins of the great Tudor mansion of the Colleys on the top of Carbury Hill, which was also known as Fairy Hill. The motte on the hill was probably built by Meiler FitzHenry who was granted the area by Strongbow. It was acquired by the de Birminghams in the 14th century, before being taken by the native Irish in the 15th century. In 1588 it was granted to the Colley family, patrilineal ancestors of the Dukes of Wellington, who built a large stronghouse in the 17th century.

There are the two barrows on Carbury Hill that are dated to the Bronze Age, a motte and a tower house which is impressive, indicating multiple usage and settlement over time. It was also a camping site of Irish rebels during 1798.