Above Image: Northwest facing wall
Southeast wall with projecting tower
Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, Richard de Clare, also known as "Strongbow" granted lands to Richard de St Michael in this area which was commonly known as the "Ford of Ae". This subsequently gave name to the town of Athy. Following a temporary defensive embankment structure a large stone rectangular keep was constructed in the 13th century that contained a large hall and cellar. This castle stood close to the West bank of the River Barrow as an important defensive position. The surrounding enclosure contained an arched gateway and the castle became a focal point for the settlement around it which was predominantly French speaking.
During subsequent years the castle fought off many attacks by the native Irish who attempted to reverse their displacement by the Normans. In these incursions it did however suffer some damage but not very extensive.
The 16th century brought many changes to the castle with the addition of a third storey and a tower on its South East corner. In 1530 the castle was fortified further and became garrisoned under orders of the 9th Earl of Kildare.
During the Confederate wars of 1641-1653 the castle changed hands from Pierce Fitzgerald to the rebels and then back to James Butler the Marquess of Ormond. In 1647 Owen Roe O'Neill seized Woodstock and massacred the whole garrison and in the following year Murrough O'Brien took back control of the castle.
Finally around the end of the 17th century Woodstock fell into disuse and subsequently into ruin.
The castle now finds itself surrounded by the town of Athy and it's environs. It lies adjacent to a modern housing estate and a children's playground. Quite the opposite to it's turbulent and bloody history.
It is possible to get up close to it but entry is unfortunately not possible due to a metal fence surrounding the site. Part of this fence has been broken no doubt by some enterprising individuals for possible access but everything appears to be bricked up including the mullioned windows. There is no trace of the former arched gateway as I believe it was dismantled sometime in the late 19th century.
The walls of the castle seem quite sturdy but without a roof I expect the interior is a to put it mildly, muddied.
We visited on a September day in the early afternoon when schools had not turned out and so the park was quite deserted giving us time to have a proper look. Even in its modern setting this sturdy construct still looks very imposing.
To find the ruins enter Athy from the Dublin Road and drive through the main street crossing the bridge over the River Barrow at the Western end of the town. Continue on approx. 250m then take the right hand turn onto the R428 signposted for Stradbally. Drive down this road until you pass an Inver service station on your left, then take the next right hand turn onto Castle Park. You will see the ruin ahead of you. Find a parking spot at the end of the cul-de-sac at the pedestrian entrance to the park.
Co-ordinates 52.996993°N 6.989586°W
