Leighlin

The village is situated a proximally 1km off the N9 (Dublin-Waterford) route on the banks of the river Barrow.  The village gets its name from its landmark bridge which was a great architectural achievement in its day.  The Bridge was built in 1320 by Maurice Jakis a cannon of Kildare Cathedral.   It is said to be one of the  oldest functioning bridges in Europe today.

In 1180 Hugh de Lacy built the first castle here to defend the river crossing.  All that is left of it today is the left half of the tower and part of the bawn.

During the 14th  century, the Kavanaghs reclaimed most of their land including the castle in Leighlinbridge, which the Kings of England had to pay "Black Rent" for peaceful passage of the main road through Leinster.

The Carmelites founded a Monastery here in 1270 

Among some of the more notable people to come from the village are Cardinal Patrick Mourn, John Tyndall and Captain Myles Keogh

Another attraction to be found in the area is Browneshill Dolmen