Ardee’s Hatch’s Castle Awarded €30,000 as Part of Heritage Conservation Boost

Ardee’s Hatch’s Castle Awarded €30,000 as Part of Heritage Conservation Boost

Ardee News and Sport – Ardee’s Hatch’s Castle Awarded €30,000 as Part of Heritage Conservation Boost

Ardee’s Hatch’s Castle Set for Conservation Focus Thanks to €330,000 in Louth Archaeological Funding

One of Ardee’s most iconic historical landmarks, Hatch’s Castle, is set to benefit from a significant funding boost as part of Louth’s share in the national Community Monuments Fund (CMF) for 2025. Announced ahead of World Heritage Day (April 18th), the funding sees almost €330,000 allocated to Louth County Council to help safeguard and preserve key archaeological monuments across the county.

Ardee’s Hatch’s Castle will receive €30,000 in Stream 2 funding specifically to support a detailed research and conservation study, ensuring any future preservation work aligns with international best practice. This marks a vital first step in securing the long-term future of this unique tower house, which stands as a symbol of Ardee’s medieval past.

The smaller of two “castles” in the centre of the market town of Ardee, Hatch’s Castle is a fine example of a late 14th Century urban fortified house that was once found in many towns throughout Ireland. Clearly identified by its unusual rounded corners, it’s four storeys are constructed of hammer-dressed masonry in irregular courses that is obscured in places with patches of plasterwork, and is crowned with a wall-walk and battlements. The southeast corner has a projecting turret which houses a spiral stairway to roof level.

The announcement was made by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, as part of a national €7.5 million investment in 122 projects under the CMF. The fund aims to conserve, maintain, and promote historic sites for the benefit of both local communities and visitors.

In addition to Ardee’s Hatch’s Castle in Ardee, three other prominent monuments in County Louth are to receive €100,000 each under Stream 1 of the scheme. These include:

• Bellew’s Castle, Castletown, Dundalk (part of the Saint Louis Convent School)
• Glaspistol Tower House, Clogherhead
• Taaffe’s Castle, Carlingford

The CMF supports works such as conservation, urgent repairs, resilience-building against climate change, and projects that improve public access and presentation. It not only protects these precious sites but also encourages local engagement, creates job opportunities, and helps preserve important traditional building skills.

Speaking about the nationwide announcement, Minister James Browne TD stated:

“I am delighted to announce these awards under the 2025 Community Monuments Fund. The importance of our archaeological heritage cannot be overstated… This investment will ensure that our built heritage can continue to be enjoyed by local and visiting communities.”

Welcoming the news at a local level, Louth County Council Chief Executive, David Conway, emphasized the role this funding plays in sustainable development:

“Louth is a county rich in natural and cultural heritage… I would like to thank our Heritage Officer, Brendan McSherry, who led the preparation of these successful CMF applications. We look forward to working closely with the Department and monument owners to ensure a sustainable future for these important sites.”

For Ardee residents and heritage enthusiasts, the attention now turns to Hatch’s Castle and the exciting developments this research funding will enable. As one of the town’s most historically significant buildings, this investment signals a renewed commitment to protecting Ardee’s past while planning for a more informed and sustainable future.

Stay tuned for updates on Ardee’s Hatch’s Castle and other heritage projects via Louth County Council’s website and social media channels.