Slade Castle

Slade Castle lies in the village of the same name, in County Wexford in Ireland.

Slade Castle started out as a tower house, probably built by the Laffan family somewhere during the 14th or 15th century. The Laffans were probably connected to the Knights Hospitallers of St John, as the castle was mentioned as being part of a manor of the Order during the 15th century. The center of that manor was at Kilcloggan Castle, further up the Hook Peninsula. When the Order was suppressed in 1541 it was still held by a member of the Laffan family. In the late 16th century the Laffans added a rectangular stronghouse to the older tower house.

By 1666 the castle was in the hands of the Loftus family. In 1684 they rented it out to William Mansel. He developed the saltworks next to the castle, remains of which still line the harbor. When the castle was abandoned, I do not know.

The exterior of Slade Castle can freely be visited. Its interior is not accessible. A very nice castle on a picturesque location.

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