Stay in a Kildare Castle for the price of a guesthouse

Very soon you may be able to stay in a castle in Co Kildare for the price of a guesthouse. The renovation of Kildare Castle in Kildare Town could see two ensuite bedrooms being build inside its walls. The 12th Century Norman structure is currently being restored by the owners of the Silken Thomas, on whose car park it sits. The walls recently received a face-lift (pictured) after a Government grant of €26,7590 supported by Kildare Co Council. 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'. It's understood that plabs being discussed include a reception area, an interpretative space and two en-suite bedrooms as part of the Lord Edward Accommodation building next door. There have also been talks on developing the site as a standalone tourist attraction in conjunction with Failte Ireland. The Castle is one of the oldest attractions in Co Kildare. Strongbow is believed to have built the first wooden structure on the site of the Castle back in 1170 and 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.