This wasn’t just any ordinary gatehouse; contemporary accounts from the Journal of the Kildare Archaeological Society described it as a miniature replica of the main castle itself, making it an unusual and noteworthy feature of the local landscape. The structure, catalogued as No. 37:11 in archaeological records, would have served as both a functional entrance point to the castle grounds and an architectural statement piece that echoed the grandeur of the main building.

The St Leger family, who gave their name to the castle, were part of the Anglo-Norman nobility who established themselves in Ireland during the medieval period. Their castle and bawn, a fortified enclosure typically used to protect livestock, would have been an important defensive and agricultural complex in the area. The decision to create a gatehouse that mirrored the castle’s design speaks to both the wealth and aesthetic ambitions of its builders, though sadly no detailed descriptions or images of this miniature castle survive today.

Archaeological investigations in the area have continued into the modern era, with test-trenching carried out in 2004 during the construction of a new house near the former castle site. This excavation, recorded under licence 04E1021, yielded no archaeological finds, suggesting that either the immediate vicinity was not intensively occupied or that previous agricultural and development activities had already disturbed any remaining traces. While the physical structures may be gone, the site remains an intriguing reminder of Kildare’s layered history, where medieval fortifications once stood alongside their architectural echoes.