lackagh Castle

Lackagh Castle, County Galway
Photo © Graham Horn, 1 April 2009

LACKAGH, a parish, partly in a detached part of. the King's county, but chiefly in the barony of West Oph Aly, county of Kildare, and province of Leinster, 2 miles (W.) from Kildare, on the road to Monastereven, and on the Grand Canal; containing 1450 inhabitants. It comprises 6431 statute acres. The church was rebuilt about 1835. There are two private schools, in which about 80 children are educated. There are some remains of a castle that formerly belonged to the Fitzgeralds; and of Mount Rice, a large mansion erected by the Rice family. -- A topographical dictionary of Ireland 1837

Built by the Burkes in the 14th century, Lackagh Castle was owned by the Henry FitzEdmond branch of the family. In 1650 the castle was besieged and taken by Lord Castlehaven.

The family of Fielding, now earls of Desmond, take title of baron from this place.

See the 'Kildare Archaeological Journal' volume 1, for more information on "The Fitzgeralds of Lackagh,"