Hacketstown, Co. Carlow

Rebels on their way back from the Battle of Carlow in 1798 were ambushed in Hackestown, and the bloody fighting between rebels and yeomanry continued until 250 rebels lay dead. Today, Hackestown is a more peaceful place as a centre for walking in the Wicklow Mountains. The 975ft summit of Eagle Hill, a mile south of the town, gives a view that takes in most of County Carlow.

To the south is Clonmore, site of the 13th-century de Lacy castle, now a picturesque ruin. Ivy is rampant over its 7ft thick walls and cattle graze placidly in the bailey where chain-mailed Norman knights once caroused and quarrelled. The castle changed hands several times before it finally fell to Cromwell in 1650. The north-east tower, known as the Six Windows, is well preserved.

Near the castle, the road cuts through a monastery that was founded in the 6th century by St Mogue. The overgrown churchyard contains a large number of early christian cross decorated stones. Their number is an indication of the region's importance in the early days of christianity.

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<A HREF="../staff/staff.html#AK>AK 1st August 1995