Oldcastle

Oldcastle is a name used for multiple places and organizations, derived from the descriptive term old castle. It is most commonly associated with geographic locations, a surname, and a corporate brand in the building materials sector.

Geographically, the best known Oldcastle is a town in County Meath, Ireland. The name also appears in various smaller settlements across the British Isles, typically reflecting historical fortifications or sites of castles. Because of its descriptive origin, the name can be found in several different localities and settings.

As a surname, Oldcastle has English origins. Notable historical bearers include Sir Henry Oldcastle, a 15th‑century English nobleman associated with the Lollard movement. In Shakespeare’s Henry IV, the character named Oldcastle was later renamed Falstaff, a change reflecting his portrayal in the plays.

In industry, Oldcastle Building Materials refers to a North American building materials company that uses the Oldcastle branding. It has operated as a major part of a larger building materials group and is now part of CRH plc, a global supplier of cement, aggregates, and construction products. The Oldcastle name continues to appear in various product lines and regional businesses within that corporate framework.

See also Old Castle (disambiguation) for related names and additional places bearing a similar toponym.