Castledermot

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Castledermot (Diseart Diarmad' in Irish), meaning "Dermot's Hermitage") is an inland town in the south-east of Ireland in County Kildare, about 75km from Dublin, and 10km from the town of Carlow. The River Lerr (a tributary of the larger River Barrow, the second longest river in Ireland) flows through the town. The town numbers about 1500 people, but the population is growing rapidly (January 2006) due to massive development.

In the town there are different remains that include a round tower, two high crosses and the ruins of a Franciscan friary. Three miles (5 km) 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. Garrett Og Fitzgerald, 11th Earl of Kildare, is said to have practised magic in Kilkea Castle.

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.

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

In terms of sports, Castledermot has achieved plenty of success:

GAA: football,hurling,handball and womens football all experience success from under-age to senior level.

Soccer: Castle villa, located at Mullarney Park have been Kildare senior league champions on several occassions.

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