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Statue in Horseleap, Offaly and Westmeath

Horseleap Horseleap is a town on the borders of the counties of Offaly and Westmeath, along the old main Dublin to Galway road. Horseleap dates back to the 12th century and is steeped in Uí Néill history. The village's Irish name, Baile Átha an Urchair, probably derives from the legend that Conchobar mac Nessa was killed here. According to tradition, the English name originated in an incident in which a member of the De Lacy family was forced to flee on horseback from the Mac Geoghegans. On approaching his castle and discovering that the drawbridge was raised, he jumped the castle's moat on horseback. (Read more)