Castledermot

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Castledermot (Irish: Diseart Diarmad, meaning "Dermot's Hermitage") is an inland town in the south-east of Ireland in County Kildare, about from Dublin, and from the town of Carlow.

Geography

The River Lerr (a tributary of the larger River Barrow, the second longest river in Ireland) flows through the town.

Demographics

The population of the town was 887 at the time of the (January 2006) census, a 22% increase over the figure recorded in 2002. The town is growing due to its proximity to Dublin and is fast becoming a satellite town of Dublin.

Places of interest

In the town there are various remains including a round tower, two high crosses and the ruins of a Franciscan friary. away is Kilkea Castle, once the residence of the Duke of Leinster, but now a hotel and health farm. The castle was built by Hugh de Lacy in 1180, and later passed to the Fitzgeralds. Gerald FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Kildare, is said to have practised magic in Kilkea Castle which earned him the nickname "the Wizard Earl".

History

The earliest known Irish Parliament met at Castledermot on 18 June 1264. Also, the oldest intact window in Western Europe can be found in the town, being part of the ruins of a Franciscan Monastery. The window, although large, is only stone work. The glass, if ever there, is long gone.

St. Laurence O'Toole, (1128 - 1180) or Lorcán Ua Tuathail, was born at Castledermot.

Education

There are two schools in the town: the national school, Scoil Diarmada, and the secondary school, Colaiste Lorcain, both of which are located on the main street.

Sport

In terms of sports, Castledermot has achieved plenty of success: Gaelic football, through Castledermot GAA, (men's and women's), hurling, Gaelic handball, basketball, soccer and cricket all experience success from under-age to senior level. Castle Villa, whose grounds are at Mullarney Park, have been Kildare senior league soccer champions on several occasions.