Leamaneh Castle, Co. Clare
The ruined castle and manor house of Leamaneh lies at the junction of the
Ballyvaughan, Corofin and Kilfenora roads. It was the residence of one Maire
Rua, a formidable lady for that or any other time. She outlived three
husbands, the third an officer in Oliver Cromwell's Army whom she married to
safeguard her property. Another of Cromwell's officers, Edward Ludlow, is
credited with what is probably the most widely used quotation about The
Burren. He reached North Clare in 1651 and described the area as
having"neither water enough to drown a man, nor a tree to hang him, nor soil
enough to bury him". All scandalous lies that The Burren has been
trying to live down ever since.
Leighlinbridge (Black) Castle, Co. Carlow
In 1180 Hugh de Lacy built the first castle here to defend the river
crossing. This place has had an eventful history. During the fourteenth
century, the Kavanaghs reclaimed most of their land including the castle
in Leighlinbridge, which the Kings of England had to pay "Black Rent" for
peaceful passage of the main road through Leinster, for one hundred and
fifty years. Beside the castle was a Carmelite priory, founded in 1270 and the
bridge
across the Barrow incorporates much work of 1320. Come springtime, when the
pink valerians are in bloom, covering the weather-worn stonework of the old
bridge with a blush of flowers, you will pause and stop, and go back to
look again. All that remains is the left half of the 14th century tower and part
of the bawn.