Kildare Castle ready to get new roof - if it secures funding

Kildare Castle in Kildare Town could get windows and a new roof if it gets funding. The walls of the 12th Century Norman structure at the rear of the Silken Thomas bar were recently renovated (pictured) after it received a Government grant of €26,7590. Kildare Castle was once one of the most important castles of the Normans in Leinster. In 1996, the Flanagan Group, which owns the Silken Thomas, purchased the Castle and set about restoring it. It sits adjacent to an 18-bed guesthouse called the 'Lord Edward'. Phase One of the restoration project is now complete. To continue with Phase Two, an application will be made to Kildare County Council and the Heritage Council for funding assistance to put in new windows and a new roof on the castle. Project director Tara Flanagan said: "A recent conservation report written by acclaimed architects, Howley Hayes was completed and looks at the potential of putting rooms into the castle as well as the possibility of a more ambitious plan to develop the site behind the castle with Kildare County Council." Strongbow is believed to have built the first wooden structure on the site of the Castle back in 1170. The first stone enclosure was built by William Marshall in 1185. The Tower House that remains today was one of four inter-connected towers by a wall to make up Kildare Castle. In 1316 the Castle was attacked during the Bruce invasion but the invaders were unsuccessful in gaining entry. Kind Edward II awarded John Fitzgerald the castle in 1316 for his loyalty to the crown and John Fitzgerald was also awarded the title of 'first Earl of Kildare' - a title that still exists today.