Woodstock Castle in Athy

Woodstock Castle, Athy

Woodstock Castle, located on the west bank of river Barrow in Athy, County Kildare, is a Norman stone castle constructed in the late 13th century. Its strategic position along the river Barrow highlights its importance in controlling trade routes and securing the region during a period of Anglo-Norman expansion in Ireland. The castle was built under the orders of Robert de St. Michael, a prominent Anglo-Norman lord who was granted land there by Richard de Clare, aka Strongbow. The main entrance to the castle faces the river and it is highly likely that a quay or harbour was located at this point. The Friars of the Holy Cross (Crutched Friars) established a monastery next to Woodstock Castle in the 13th century and many local historians tribute this area as being the origin of the modern town of Athy. Later, with the building of White Castle in 1417, the focus of the town centre moved to the east bank of the river. This offered better protection from the continual attacks of the dispossessed Irish.

Earls of Kildare

By the early 15th century, the FitzGerald family, who were influential Anglo-Norman lords and later the Earls of Kildare, took control of the castle when if formed part of a dowry for Thomas FitzGerald, seventh Earl of Kildare. They then used it as a base to administer their estates in County Kildare. Over time, there was many alterations to the castle, including the addition of a 3rd story which can easily be seen in the walls today.
During the Irish Confederate Wars (1641–53), the castle was of strategic importance and changed hands a number of times. Originally commanded by Pierce FitzGerald in 1642 it was taken from the rebels by James Butler, 1st Marquess of Ormond. It was then in turn taken by Eoghan Ruadh Ó Néill in 1647 when he took the garrison by surprised and massacred all. Murrough O’Brien, 1st Earl of Inchiquin then retook Woodstock in 1648.
In later decades, Woodstock Castle became largely abandoned. Its fortifications fell into disrepair, and by the 18th century, the site was in ruins. Much of the castle’s stone was likely repurposed for other buildings in the area, which was a common practice at the time.

Woodstock Castle Today

In the 20th century, the ruins of Woodstock Castle became the focus of archaeological interest. Excavations and surveys have revealed details about its original structure and usage, providing insight into the lives of those who lived and worked within its walls.
Today, Woodstock Castle is recognised as a historical landmark offering a glimpse into Athy’s medieval past. It’s a physical reminder of Athy’s rich heritage, from its construction by Robert de St. Michael to its association with the FitzGerald family.

Here is a poem I found about Woodstock Castle by T. French

Woodstock Castle 

Woodstock, famed in Irish story,
Raising high its tow’ring head;
Still proclaims its former glory,
Near old Barrow’s crystal bed.

O’er its walls, where ivy creeping,
Loves to wave its sombre green;
Forth, beneath the foliage peeping,
Many a sculptured stone is seen.

Where the silken standard flying,
Once its waving folds display’d;
Now the breeze, in murmurs sighing,
Mourns the havoc time has made.

Oft, within those dark recesses,
Perish’d many a chief of old;
While the blood-stain’d floor confesses
Horrors human tongue ne’er told.

Woodstock’s lord once lov’d a fair one,
And did court her to his arms;
Daughter of a neighbouring baron,
Blest with beauty’s softest charms.

But her sire had pledg’d his daughter
To a gentle knight hard by,
Who with tender love had sought her-
Call’d Sir Kemelin, of Athy.

Vengeful thoughts seized Woodstock’s bosom,
When denied the blooming maid;
Yet to none did he disclose ’em,
But his plot in secret laid.

Straight he made him preparation,
Solemn tourney to proclaim;
And forthwith sent invitation
To many a noble knight and dame.

To partake at Woodstock-hall,
Mask and dance, and pageant gay;
All within the castle’s wall,
On St. John’s high holiday.

Gladsome rose the wished for morn,
Rob’d in cloudless golden light;
Loudly blew the bugle horn,
Banners grac’d the castle’s height.

And many a lady passing fair,
All bedecked in rich array;
And many a brave knight from afar
Passed through Woodstock’s gate that day.

Ah! who is he whose vernal cheek
Blooms high in health and beauty’s pride;
Whose blue eyes, love’s soft language speak
To the fair lady by his side?

‘Tis Kemelin-flower of chivalry-
And Eva with the golden hair;
Of Rheban’s youth the bravest he,
And she the Curragh’s maid most fair.

Festive mirth, its joys imparting,
Beamed around the splendid scene;
Till at midnight hour departing,
Hied them o’er the distant green,

“Kemelin,” quoth Lord Woodstock, “stay
With thy lady here this night;
False Tyrconnell may thee betray-
‘Tis said he owes thee mortal spite.”

“Much I thank thee, courteous baron,
Though my heart ne’er felt dismay;
Yet, to calm this trembling fair one,
Here, beneath thy roof, I’ll stay.”

Sad and dismal was the hour,
Darker frown’d the low’ring gloom;
When, yielding to a villain’s power,
Kemelin seal’d his tragic doom.

From that fatal moment, never
Eva to her friends returned;
Mystic was her fate for ever-
Long the hapless fair they mourned.

But, upon the seventh morn,
Kemelin’s floating corse was found,
Down the river’s current borne,
Pierced with many a ghastly wound.

Near the river stands a mound,
O’er it the tall poplars wave;
Water-lillies spring around,
And this, I heard, is Kemelin’s grave.

And still the banshee, wand’ring round,
Loves to raise her plaintive song;
When each swift revolving year,
Brings the feast of good St. John.

by T. French

Athy Walk & Talk

We regularly visit Woodstock Castle on our weekly “Walk & Talk” and you are very welcome to join us at any stage. Organised by Kildare Sports Partnerships the walks take place every Wednesday at 10.55am from Athy Youth Café (Old Dispensary) on Meeting Lane. Eircode R14 PV02. The slow rambling walks are usually no more than 2km’s long. Walks are followed by a cup of tea and chat in the Youth Café afterwards. There is no charge for the mornings and all are welcome. For more information, contact Cliff Reid on 087-2061999 or just turn up any Wednesday morning.