Athy castle's roof and walls need 'immediate attention'

Preserving White’s Castle in Athy would honour our history and provide a tangible connection to our past for future generations. That’s according to local councillor Mark Leigh, who said he feels “we’re probably at a crossroads” with the local landmark.

“An archaeologist has told me the roof and battlements need immediate attention and scaffolding needs to go up as soon as possible. Cracks have been reported to me on the riverbank wall and a huge crack over the front door and one of the chimneys looks like it’s about to crumble. We need to get a conservation report done also,” he told this week’s meeting of Athy Municipal District, at which he tabled a motion urging the council to look at ways of bringing the castle into the ownership of the people of Athy.

“The castle has been in private ownership for 40 years and people have the greatest of intentions when they’re buying a castle, but they may not realise the level of work required when they’re being sold the ‘dream’. A trust or a government agency would have the level of expertise required. We need to address this now.

“Along with the international Shackleton Museum wouldn’t it be great for tourists to be able to cross the upgraded Emily Square and spend another hour in Athy doing a tour of the castle rather than being herded onto a tour bus to another destination?” said the Labour councillor, who described it as being of “significant” historical importance to Kildare.

He added that it would be “a great source of community pride… something we could foster for local residents by renovating and opening the castle. A project that could involve the community through volunteering opportunities, local partnerships, and events celebrating the castle’s history, such engagement would strengthen community bonds and enhance the town’s social fabrics.” 

A response to cllr Leigh’s motion explained that the council ‘has noted the potential/recent establishment of an historic trust in Athy to explore opportunities for bringing White’s Castle into the ownership of the people of Athy.

‘The current Athy Local Area Plan contains many policies that serve to support the protection and enhancement of the castle (and all other protected structures) and as such the council will provide any assistance possible to present or future owners of the castle with a view to ensuring it remains a significant part of the landscape of the town.' 

“I will take this opportunity to remind the chamber that the castle as we know it was built in 1527 and we are fast approaching its 500th anniversary,” cllr Leigh added. “There has never been a better time to highlight the importance of White’s Castle.” 

Cllr Veralouise Behan said it would be a really good idea for Kildare Co Council to connect with the OPW, while cllr Brian Dooley suggested the local authority organise a meeting with the castle’s owner.

As local historian Frank Taaffe previously mentioned in his ‘Eye on the Past’ column, on 24 September the AGM of Athy Historical Society will be held in the local Community Arts Centre at 8pm. Following the AGM, a short meeting will discuss plans in connection with the protection of Athy’s built heritage and, in particular, the aforementioned castle.