The original settlement around Carlow town dates from prehistoric times, evidenced by the 5 thousand year old megalithic site at Browneshill Dolmen, built circa 3300BC, with the largest capstone in Europe & weighing 100 tons ( 101604.691 Kilograms ).
Carlow Castle.
Located on the bank of the Barrow River, this early 13th century Norman castle was a fortified structure with walls 7 feet thick. It was built by William de Marshall who was the Lord of Leinster between 1207 and 1213. The castle withstood many assaults over the centuries during Ireland's turbulent past until 1814. An attempt by the castle's then occupier, a Dr Midlleton, to demolish interior walls using gunpowder destroyed most of the building except the wall and towers we see standing today.
As described in The Dublin Penny Journal - a weekly newspaper based on Bachelor's Walk Dublin which also published a series of volumes, between 1832 and 1836. " In 1814 Dr Middleton undermined the foundations. It fell with a dradful crash that alarmed those towns-people who were unaware of the coming event..fortunately it happened on a Sunday morning while the people were engaged about their religious duties..otherwise it might possily have been the destruction of many". (Dublin Penny Journal Vol 3.)
Carlow Castle and St. Mary's Church spire pictured in 2022.
Castle ruins viewed from end of Castle Street, Blackstairs Mountains in distance. 2022 Carlow town image.
