Ballinafad Castle

Castle View, Ireland

Ballinafad Castle is an Elizabethan blockhouse built during the Nine Years' War by Captain John St. Barbe on land granted to him by King James VI and I. The castle was garrisoned by ten men and commanded by John St. Barbe. It was partially destroyed by Red Hugh O’Donnel in 1595. The castle was again sacked in 1642 and fell out of use by 1680.

Today it is in ruins and is accessible year round. There are no tours, guides, or fees. Visitors can park in a small carpark at the foot of the hill where they will find an interpretive sign. Visitors cannot enter the castle, but the interior is visible through breaches in the walls that are closed off by iron fences.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 16th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Ireland

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Michael Fergus (14 months ago)
Great stop on the side of the road.
Michelle OShea (16 months ago)
Nice spot, shame you can't enter
Roger Bellingham (2 years ago)
Unfortunately, the castle was closed for repairs so it could only be seen from the outside. The castle has a very interesting history, details of which are displayed on a notice board. It is worth a visit if you are in the village but not worth making a special journey.
mark chambers (2 years ago)
Past this castle many times and was glad to final stop and check it out. My youngest boy has always been obsessed with castle and he loved it. Literally just a 10min stop or like us you could have a picnic in the grass
Amber Mckay (2 years ago)
It is a nice castle but still being renovated and beware of roaming sheep. And lack of access for now
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Clickimin Broch

The Broch of Clickimin is a large and well preserved, though somewhat restored broch near Lerwick. Originally built on an island in Clickimin Loch (now increased in size by silting and drainage), it was approached by a stone causeway. The water-level in the loch was reduced in 1874, leaving the broch high and dry. The broch is situated within a walled enclosure and, unusually for brochs, features a large 'blockhouse' between the opening in the enclosure and the broch itself. Another unusual feature is a stone slab featuring sculptured footprints, located in the causeway which approached the site. Situated across the loch is the Clickimin Leisure Centre.