HORSELEAP, a hamlet, in the parish of ARDNORCHER, barony of MOYCASHEL, county of WESTMEATH, and province of LEINSTER, 3 miles (W. by N.) from Kilbeggan, on the road from Dublin to Athlone; containing 14 houses and 87 inhabitants. This place derives its name from a tradition that Sir Hugh de Lacy leaped his horse over the drawbridge of Ardnorcher castle, in escaping from a close pursuit. It is a constabulary police station, and contains the parish church, situated on an eminence, and a R. C. chapel.

(Samuel Lewis, A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (1837); Transcription © Derek Rowlinson, 2005-10. Reproduced from LibraryIreland. We are deeply grateful to LibraryIreland for allowing us to use their transcription.)