Evolution of Castlecomer Town

Castlecomer in 1832

Castlecomer, Main street in 1832

Castlecomer in 1832

Castlecomer in 1832

Castlecomer, Main street in 1832

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The early history of the current town of Castlecomer is one of destruction. It is known that the first Norman settlers in the area built a castle. Although its exact location is unclear, tradition links with the 'Garrison' near Castlecomer House, but this is uncertain.

By 1200 A.D. there was some settlement in the area as both the castle and surrounding settlement was burned by the Brennans. This is recorded in 'Liber Primus Kilkenniensis'.

In 1328 Castlecomer was again burned by William de Bermingham as recorded by Friar John Clyn. There are some mentions of a medieval church in Castlecomer. In 1374, this church was confirmed as being in the possession of St. John's Abbey in Kilkenny. There is no mention of this church after the Reformation.

Protestant Church, Castlecomer

Twin Photographs of the Protestant Church, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny

Protestant Church, Castlecomer

Protestant Church, Castlecomer

Twin Photographs of the Protestant Church, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny

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In 1635, Sir Christopher Wandesforde began the construction of the present town near the site of the old castle. From the start, the town was planned. As the Wandesfordes wished to develop their recent land acquisitions commercially, the emphasis of the town was on commerce. The central axis of the town was to be based on a large marketplace, which corresponds to the present square. The plan of the original town was based on the Italian town of Alsinore with stone houses surrounding the Market Place. Among other constructions were an iron forge, a rectory and a castle. In 1635, Sir Christopher began the construction of a new church.

In 1641, the new town came under siege from forces loyal to the Confederation Parliament in Kilkenny. The 'new' church was destroyed as many settlers had taken refuge there. The present Church of Ireland may be on the same site. By early 1642, the last defenders in the old' Garrison' surrendered.

In 1798, the town was again under attack from rebel forces from Wexford augmented by local Irish 'colliers'. Part of the town was burned, including the house of Lady Anne Ormonde which is believed was on the site of the current square. After the crushing of the 1798 Rebellion, Lady Anne embarked on an extensive rebuilding programme.

Castlecomer Fountain, Square, Castlecomer

Castlecomer Fountain, The Square, Castlecomer, 1874-1936

Castlecomer Fountain, Square, Castlecomer

Castlecomer Fountain, Square, Castlecomer

Castlecomer Fountain, The Square, Castlecomer, 1874-1936

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William Tighe in his 'Statistical Observations' observed in 1802 that Castlecomer had 211 houses, a new market house and an infantry barracks. The building of the Barracks commenced in 1802. The health of the residents was a major concern of Lady Anne, and in 1819 she built a dispensary of the Square. Castlecomer House itself was built in 1802 on the site of an earlier destroyed residence.

Castlecomer, like many other parts of Ireland, experienced rapid population growth in the early nineteenth century. The effects of the Famine were thus particularly severe. In an effort to cope with the ensuing crisis, a workhouse was opened in 1853. The infirmary, dispensary and fever hospital were relocated to this site. The Famine period also saw the construction Roman Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. This commenced in 1844. The Presentation Sisters set up the present convent on the site of the old fever hospital in 1885.