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:

Wikipedia

Castles and fortifications in Ireland

User Reviews

Michael Fergus (11 months ago)
Great stop on the side of the road.

Michelle OShea (13 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

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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