Castlecomer’s rich and varied history is centred around the Wandesforde family and its coal mining heritage. Having been destroyed and rebuilt twice, present day Castlecomer is modelled on the Italian town of Alsinore in Italy. Discover some of the key moments in its evolution by scrolling down below. Check out our illustrated town map here.

The Founding of Castlecomer

Garrison Castlecomer

William the Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke erects a motte and castle at the strategically important situation at the meeting of Castlecomer’s three rivers.

Discover More 16th Century

The Wandesfordes Arrive

Wandesfordes

After being granted lands in 1635, Christopher Wandesforde designed and built the Italian inspired town and Demesne. Castlecomer and the surrounding area remained owned by the Wandesforde family for the next 300 years.

Discover More 1635

The Battle of Castlecomer

The united Irishmen marched on Castlecomer from Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford following a bloody defeat at the Battle of Vinegar Hill. Following a sustained melee and artillery bombardment from the British, the town was razed to the ground allowing the English forces to retreat under a cloud of gunpowder smoke. The rebels with their numbers weakened, abandoned their plans to spark revolt and marked on to Co. Laois

Discover More 1798

Mill race built

Castlecomer Dublin Bridge and Millrace

In the 1700s the Deen River was diverted to create a Mill race adjacent to the Dublin Bridge. This served the two Mills operating in the Mill Lane /Lacken area of the town. Another Mill, Proctors Mill at Ballyhemmon operated on the Deen River too and still survives today.

Discover More 1700s

Mining Industry is Born

Deerpark mines castlecomer

Castlecomer’s vast mining industry sprang up from the accidental discovery of coal during early iron ore extraction works during the 1700s. Operating for over 300 years, the industry was responsible for invention of several pioneering mining technologies still in use around the rest of the world to this day.

Discover More Mid 1700s

Castlecomer House Rebuilt

Castlecomer House

The second, more imposing house begins construction opposite the demesne at the Discovery Park. Sadly demolished in the 1970, all that now remains is the gate lodge, and bridge over the river which once formed part of the moat around the house.

Discover More 1805

Railway Arrives

Castlecomer railway

This is the excerpt. In the past Castlecomer had a busy railway line. Castlecomer railway station opened on 21 February 1921 with a passenger service between Castlecomer and Kilkenny.

Discover More 1798
SJ Hair Salon exterior
SJ Hair Salon
Tel: 087 216 8000
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Cafe 1
Tel: +353 83 192 9813
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Discover Castlecomer

Click the pins on this map to discover information about the variety of attractions, amenities and services here in Castlecomer.