Rathcline Castle

Rathcline Castle, County Longford
Photo © Kieran Campbell, 30 May 2007

A medieval tower house, enlarged in the early 17th century, now forms a vast ruin. Looks impressive but is only one wall thick.

RATHCLINE CASTLE

At the distance of about two miles from Lanesborough are the ruins of Rathline, or Rathcline Castle. These vestiges are situated at the base of the hill of Rathline, and on the margin of the river Shannon. The situation is extremely fine, and the ruins are picturesque and interesting. This castle is said to have been first erected by the family of O'Quin, and many sanguinary contests for possession of its embattled walls are still remembered by traditionary records, although unnoticed by the regular historians of the country. The fortress was dismantled by Cromwell, and was afterwards reduced by fire in the wars of James II. It is observed by Seward that "a very antient inscription, cut in the Irish character on a marble slab, and fixed in the wall of one of the rooms, was removed, or destroyed, by a gentleman who lately resided in the modern house, built close to the castle from its ruins." In the vicinity of the castle are the remains of a church, evincing considerable antiquity, with an attached cemetery, still used as a place of burial for catholics. The town of Lanesborough is situated in the parish of Rathline.

THE BEAUTIES OF IRELAND BY JAMES NORRIS BREWER, 1826