Ardee Castle works to begin before Christmas after green light
By ArdeePost Reporter
Restoration project marks major milestone for Ardee heritage landmark
It’s official — Ardee Castle is set to undergo its long-awaited multi-million euro restoration, with construction works due to begin before Christmas, according to confirmation from Louth County Council this week.
The landmark project, which has been years in planning, will see Ireland’s largest medieval fortified tower house restored and redeveloped into a key heritage and tourism destination for mid-Louth.
At the October meeting of the Ardee Municipal District, councillors received a detailed update on the long-anticipated works from Senior Engineer John O’Hagan, who said that the council is preparing to issue a letter of intent to the preferred bidder, with a formal appointment expected before the end of the month.
Once appointed, the successful contractor will provide a works programme outlining key timelines, site hoarding, and compound arrangements.
“We expect to see shovels on the ground before Christmas,” Mr. O’Hagan confirmed, adding that due to the tight site footprint, a small tower crane may be required to complete elements of the project.
He also confirmed that the contract is expected to run for approximately 18 months.
Councillors Welcome Long-Awaited Progress
The news was met with enthusiasm by elected representatives.
Cathaoirleach Cllr. Dolores Minogue said the update brought a collective sigh of relief.
“That’s brilliant news — I think we can all breathe a sigh of relief,” she said. “This is something the town has been waiting a very long time for.”
Cllr. Jim Tenanty raised questions regarding accessibility improvements and the potential to reinstate the Ardee Castle Christmas lights if work begins during the festive season.
Mr. O’Hagan said the council will engage with the appointed contractor to explore ways to facilitate the lights, while ensuring public safety around the site.
“There will be safety hoarding going up around the castle, so we’ll look at how that might impact the lights,” he said, adding that the judges’ chamber and a new build to the rear of the castle would form the focus of the early stages of work.
Funding Secured for Historic Restoration
The Ardee Castle refurbishment has received a major boost in recent months, with an additional €1 million in funding allocated to bridge a previous shortfall.
Originally awarded €2.14 million in 2019, the project now has the full financial backing required to proceed, with Louth County Council committing to match-fund the investment.
The restoration aims to preserve the historic structure, enhance public access, and create an engaging heritage and cultural experience for visitors, locals, and schools alike.
The castle — dating back to the 15th century — has long been regarded as one of Ardee’s most iconic landmarks, standing as a symbol of the town’s rich medieval heritage.
A New Era for Ardee’s Heritage
The Ardee Castle project forms part of the wider Ardee regeneration vision, which includes the Project Ardee 2040 initiative to revitalise the town centre and surrounding areas.
Once complete, the castle is expected to become a flagship visitor attraction for the region, supporting tourism, education, and local business.
Mr. O’Hagan said he would continue to keep councillors updated as the project moves forward, ensuring the community remains informed throughout the works.
“This is an important milestone not just for the council, but for the people of Ardee,” said Cllr. Minogue. “After years of waiting, we’re finally seeing this historic building brought back to life.”
