Daingean

Daingean was the name of an ancient fort on the site of the town. It was captured and destroyed by the British in 1537. In 1556 the town was renamed Philipstown in honour of King Philip of Spain, and soon after became the capital of the newly formed King's County. In 1833 the capital was moved to Tullamore. The old name of Daingean came into popular use again in the early 20th century.