[1][2] Rheban Castle is located 5.4 kilometres (3.4 mi) northwest of Athy, on the west bank of the River Barrow.

This was traditionally taken to refer to Rheban, although modern writers see a site nearer Ireland's centre as more likely: the Hill of Uisneach, Rathcroghan or Carnfree.

In 1424 Rheban passed to Thomas FitzGerald (later 7th Earl of Kildare) when he married Dorothea, daughter of Anthony O'More.

[10] In the 15th century it was raided by Seán Ó Broin (of the Glenmalure O'Byrnes), who won treasure and fame celebrated in a poem by Ferganin McKeogh.

[11] The castle changed hands many times during the Irish Confederate Wars (1641–50), falling to James Butler, Marquess of Ormond in 1642, Owen Roe O'Neill in 1647 and Murrough O'Brien, 1st Earl of Inchiquin in 1648 and has been in ruins since then.