Ardee Castle

Right in the centre of Ardee, just opposite the Setanta Guest House is one of the grandest focal points in the town, the castle. Reputed to have been built in the early years of the 1200's by Roger de Pipard, it was actually built in the 15th century by John St. Ledger.

Ardee castle served as a stronghold for the defence of the Pale. In 1641 during the Irish uprising the town was of major strategic importance and was the scene of a major struggle between Sir Phelim O’Neill and the English commander Sir Henry Tichbourne who stationed a garrison in Ardee.

Most commonly referred to as Pipard's Castle, it has also been known as the King's Castle in early records, when the fortress was a mustering place for attacks upon Ulster.

Two Lord Deputy's died here whilst on military excursions: Sir John Stanley in 1414 and James Butler, the White Earl of Ormonde, in 1452. Both were reputed to be 'the best captains of the English nation that was in England and Ireland in those days'. The Earl of Ormonde died here while on his way home to Dublin after a six-week sortie through the mid-lands and north.

Prior to the battle of the Boyne in 1690 both James II and William of Orange stayed here. James used the castle as his headquarters in the month prior to the battle.

In 1805 the castle was handed over to the Louth grand Jury and converted into a courthouse and prison. It is still used as a courthouse to this day. Click here to return to the previous page