6 Old Ruins to Explore in Leitrim Village

A beautiful Franciscan Friary founded in 1508 by Margaret O’Brian and Owen O’ Rourke, Lord of Breifne. It was one of the last abbey’s founded in Ireland before King Henry VIII dissolved all the monasteries throughout Ireland and England. The remains of this extensive friary include the church, the cloister and domestic buildings. This Abbey is now in use for as a grave yard.

Kiltyclogher Heritage Centre is located in Kiltyclogher, County Leitrim. It houses an exhibition about the 1916 Proclamation signatory Seán MacDiarmada. The exhibition contains an audio visual facility and interpretive panels, providing visitors with information about Seán MacDiarmada and the history of the locality.

Manorhamilton Castle was built during the plantation of Leitrim by Sir Fredrick Hamilton in 1634. The massive ruins of this 17th century stronghold dominate the picturesque town of Manorhamilton. The Castle around which the town grew has a dramatic and colourful history – stories of which live on in the town to this day.

O'Rourke's Castle is a ruined castle in Ireland. The castle, undoubtedly a tower house, was originally a MacRaghnall stronghold with references in 1491 and 1499, but by 1540 it was in the hands of Brian Ballach O'Rourke. The castle was destroyed in 1580 by Brian of the Ramparts O'Rourke to prevent it falling to Sir Nicholas Malby. Sir Nicholas rebuilt and garrisoned it, but the castle was immediately besieged by O'Rourke and abandoned by its garrison shortly afterwards.

A majestic restored plantation castle from the early 17th century and is situated on the picturesque shores of Lough Gill. It was originally the stronghold of the O'Rourke Clan, rulers of the kingdom of Breffni. It has been beautifully restored using Irish oak and traditional craftsmanship.A permanent exhibition of artefacts from the 17th century including replica period costumes and furniture, is on display inside the grounds.