Lea Castle: looking outwards

Abstract

Lea Castle, Co. Laois, is located on the River Barrow where it occupied an important position at the borders of three medieval territories. The castle and landscape are currently neglected and in a poor state of repair. Although the castle is understudied, some recent funded research has been carried out at the castle. The premise of this paper is to introduce the castle and discusses some interesting aspects of the medieval landscape including a series of fish ponds and a possible medieval vill.