Leap Castle stands near Roscrea in County Offaly, Ireland, about six kilometers north of the town. Its stone main tower was most likely built around 1250, though estimates vary. The O'Bannon clan is credited with building it.
Its features include a central keep, the "Bloody Chapel" and an oubliette. The Darby family acquired the castle through marriage in 1642. It was burned in 1922 during the Irish Civil War.
The Australian historian Peter Bartlett bought the ruin in 1974 and led its restoration until he died in 1989. Since 1991 the musician Sean Ryan and his wife Anne have owned it privately and continued the restoration. The castle is open to the public.

Comments