New book being launched about site of massacre near Ballitore

The historic area of Mullaghmast hill near Ballitore is to feature in a new book being launched this week. Mullaghmast was the site of a standing stone dating to end of the prehistoric period or the early Christian period.   It was also the location of the 1578 Massacre of Mullaghmast when 400 people including the O'More family were slaughtered by English forces. Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Kildare County Council are co-hosting a book and audio-book launch in The Tanyard, Ballitore on Thursday evening. Mr Michael Nolan, Chief Executive of Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Mr Peter Carey, Chief Executive of Kildare County Council will attend. Colonising a Royal Landscape – is the the latest in the Transport Infrastructure Ireland Heritage Series dedicated to publicising the archaeological results on national road projects.   Excavations at Mullaghmas led to the discovery of a deserted medieval village comprising industrial remains, such as kilns, hearths and furnaces.   The book will be formally launched by Mr Guy St. John Williams, author and horse racing historian.