Castlecomer

There was a wooden castle on the site of Castlecomer until about 1200. This was replaced by a stone building by Earl Marshall. In 1219, his manor was granted to Sibella, the great-granddaughter of the Norman leader Strongbow. The rest of the land was owned by the local Brennan chiefs.
The land belonged to the Brennan family until 1637, when it was given to the Earl of Strafford during the plantations. He gave it to Sir Christopher Wandesford, his cousin. He argued that the Brennans' didn't have a legal right to the land, but they didn't agree. So he had to build a new castle to protect his land. He decided to build a town near the castle. Caisleán an Chumair means The castle at the confluence of the rivers. It was Ireland's first town in stone and mortar
In 1798, there was a rebellion in Enniscorthy. The family lend military aid and helped stop the rebellion. But in the end, Castlecomer was also destroyed. Afterwards, it was rebuilt with the help of Lady Ann Ormonde (nee Wandesford). She restored St. Mary's church and built many of the present day buildings.
The Wandesford family started a coal mine there, which was open for over 300 years, until the 1960s.

Castlecomer is about 16km north of Kilkenny city.

By bus

• Buggy's Coaches

  phone: +353 56 776-5008
  A Castlecomer company that runs a bus service to Kilkenny and Carlow

• Bus EireannThe national bus company serve Castlecomer. Buses stop on the main Kilkenny-Athy road.

Castlecomer is a small picturesque town built around a unique lime tree lined Georgian square. There is a humpback bridge at one end. Everywhere is within walking distance.

• Church of the Immaculate ConceptionThis Gothic style church is the parish church of Castlecomer. Mass is said daily. It was built between 1844-1852, during the Irish famine.

• St Marys Church

  address: Dublin Rd
  There are records of an ancient church on this site as far back as 1374. The present church was built on the site at the same time as Castlecomer by Sir Christopher Wandesford. It was destroyed in the 1798 rebellion, and later rebuilt.

• Castlecomer Discovery Park

  phone: +353 56 776-5008
  address: The Estate Yard, Castlecomer
  This park has 80 acres of forest, and 6km of walking trails. There's a visitors centre and museum too.

• The Footprints in Coal ExperienceLearn about the history of coal, how it was formed millions of years ago, and how it was mined in Castlecomer for over 300 years. The tour lasts about 45 minutes.

• WoodlandsThere are over 6km of woodlands to discover on the banks of the River Deen, which were once part of the old Wandesforde Estate. The paths are clearly marked and there are wooden sculptures along the way.

• Childrens' Playground

• Play a Round of Golf

  phone: +353 56 444-1139
  address: Dromgoole
  Castlecomer Golf Club is an 18 hole course, just outside the town.

• Welly RaceEvery year on New Years Day, people gather to race in Wellies for charity. People also wear fancy dress and there is a parade.

• Brennan's

  phone: +353 56 444-2400
  address: Dublin Rd

• Buggy's Bar

  phone: +353 56 444-1303
  address: The Square

• The Coalmine Inn

  phone: +353 56 444-1455
  address: The Square

• Deenside Inn

  phone: +353 56 444-1625
  address: 9 Kilkenny St

• Dillon's Pub

  phone: +353 56 444-1483
  address: 66 Barrack St

• Gilbourne's Pub

  phone: +353 56 444-1308
  address: 2 Kilkenny St

• James J Bollard's

  phone: +353 56 444-1265
  address: Barrack St

• Johnny Barry

  phone: +353 56 444-1173
  address: 89 Kilkenny St

• Milridge Inns Ltd.

  phone: +353 56 444-1331
  address: The Square

• The Vaults Bar & Lounge

  phone: +353 56 444-0965
  address: 89 Kilkenny St

• Avonlon House Hotel

  phone: +353 56 444-1302 or +353 56 444-1961
  address: The Square

• Byrnesgrove Farmhouse B&B

  phone: +353 56 883-3043
  address: Byrnesgrove, Ballyragget

• Damerstown Farmhouse B&B

  phone: +353 56 444-1337
  address: Damerstown
  A 200 year old Georgian house and gardens on a farm.

• Wandesforde House

  phone: +353 56 444-2441
  address: Dublin Rd
  A B&B just outside the town.

Castlecomer is a very safe town. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 999 or 112.

• Castlecomer Garda Station

  phone: +353 56 444-1222
  address: Kilkenny Rd

• Castlecomer District Hospital

  phone: +353 56 444-1246

• Kilkenny - The capital of County Kilkenny is only 16km away. It's famous for it medieval history.

• Dunmore Caves

  phone: +353 56 776-7726
  address: Dunmore
  The show cave is incredibly well developed and is a wonder to walk around. €2.90 Adult, €1.30 Child