Ardee (Atherdee) is the location of the four day battle between Cúchulainn and Ferdia. Cúchulainn is said to have defended the area from an army led by Ferdia for Queen Maeve. On the fourth day of battle Ferdia fell and was laid to rest along the river bank.
The fortified tower house was contructed in the 13th century by Roger de Pippart. The English controlled the area until the 17th century. Phelim O'Nial gained control of the town in 1641 and made Ardee headquarters for the Irish army until James II army regained the town. James II then used Ardee Castle as his headquarters prior to the Battle of the Boyne.
More recently tower house was used as a courthouse and was under construction when we visited with a plan to have a museum. Farther along the main street is a second tower, Hatch's Castle. Hatch's castle is still used as a private residence. 