History
Rathdowney is named after a nearby ringfort, or ráth, which was levelled in 1830. This ráth is mentioned three times in the Annals of the Four Masters:
- 874 Flaithri, son of Maelduin, Lord of Rath-Tamhnaighe (Rathdowney) died
- 909 Maelpadraig, son of Flaithri, Lord of Rath-Tamhnaighe, died
- 1069 Gillamoula, grandson of Bruaideadh, Lord of Rath-Tamhnaighe
The settlement of Rathdowney has existed since at least the 9th century. Historically it forms part of the Kingdom of Ossory Kingdom of Osraige, and today it remains part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ossory, as such Rathdowney is not historically part of Laois. The present-day county of Laois is a modern administrative construct.
The Croppy's Grave located in the town's central square is the still visible cobbled grave of a croppy revolutionary hanged and buried there in 1798. The site also contains a recent memorial.
The town was raided at least once by anti-treaty forces during the Irish Civil War of 1922 to 1923.
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