| Authorities Consulted. |
| Donovan, “Annals of the Four Masters.” |
| Cooke, “History of Birr.” |
| Cooke, “Picture of Parsonstown.” |
| G. Story, “Impartial History of Ireland.” |
| R. Bagwell, “Ireland Under the Tudors.” |
| J. Brewer, “Beauties of Ireland.” |
| Parliamentary Gazetteer. |
| Lord Walter Fitzgerald, “Kilkea Castle” (Kildare Archæological Society’s Journal). |
LEIXLIP CASTLE
The castle is situated in the portion of Leixlip which extends into North Salt Barony in the County Kildare. The fortress occupies a commanding position at the juncture of the Rivers Rye-water and Liffey, above the famous Salmon Leap from which the designation Leixlip is derived, being a Danish name from the old Norse word “Lax-hlaup,” i.e., Salmon Leap. From the word “Saltus,” a leap, the baronies of Salt have also taken their name.
The castle is generally supposed to have been erected by the De Hereford family towards the close of the twelfth century. The present building consists of two blocks at right angles, facing east and south. The east wing probably incorporates part of the twelfth-century keep, and with the north-east circular tower represents the oldest portion of the structure, although it has been pierced by modern windows.
In this part a room is still shown in which tradition states that King John slept during his stay in Ireland.
The square south-east tower is not so old, and its erection is generally ascribed to the Geraldines.
The lands of Leixlip were granted to Adam de Hereford by Strongbow shortly after the Normans arrived in 1170. At the close of the thirteenth century the castle and lands had passed to the Pypards. In 1302 Ralph Pypard surrendered all his castles, &c., to the Crown, and in consequence Richard de Bakeputz, who was constable of Leixlip, was ordered to deliver it up to the King.
