the black castle

It is a ruin standing on a rocky promontory at the eastern end of the town. The castle was begun by Maurice Fitzgerald when he was granted the district in 1176, but his death a year later delayed its completion. In 1375 the castle was strengthened by William Fitzwilliam, whose descendants held the constableship for several generations. The castle was frequently attacked by the Irish and sometimes occupied by them. Early in the sixteenth century it was held by the O'Brynes, but they had to surrender, it with the town, to the forces of the Crown in 1543. Luke O'Toole invested the fortress in 1641, but was froced to raise the siege when the army of Sir Charles Coote arrived.