Again, it is stated to have passed to the De Prendergasts through the De Quincey family, and that it was originally erected by Raymond le Gros.
Between 1225 and 1228 it was walled in and entrenched by Gerald Prendergast, who died in 1251.
The Rochfords held it from 1252 to 1327 through Maurice Rochford marrying Matilda Prendergast.
The land had formerly been part of the MacMurroughs’ territory, and they regained it in 1328, although their claim was fiercely disputed by the Rochfords.
Donogh MacMorrough, King of Leinster, resided in the castle from 1368 to 1375, in which year he was slain near Carlow by Geoffrey Wall. Two years later Art MacMurrough, King of Leinster, recovered the castle, and held it until his death in 1418.
Donald Kavanagh, King of Leinster, lived in state in the castle from 1428 to 1476, and he it was who founded the Franciscan monastery close to the stronghold in 1460.
Murrough, King of Leinster, died in the castle in 1518.
In 1550 it passed to the Crown after Cahir MacArt Kavanagh relinquished the title “MacMurrough.”
Richard Kettyng complained in 1551 that the Council would not confirm the King’s letters, which granted him the castles of Ferns and Enniscorthy. He requested that they might be granted by patent.
The following year Enniscorthy was leased to Gabriel Blake.