Moygara Castle, Ballymote, Ireland

Located in the rolling countryside of southern County Sligo, Moygara Castle is one of the finest Gaelic castles in the north-west of Ireland. The Castle of Moygara was the principle fortress and dwelling of the O Gara family. The castle stands in a slight eminence with great views, particularly to the south. It dates from the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

The building consists of a plain rectangular tower set within a nearly square bawn withflanking angled tower at each corner. These commanded the adjacent curtain walls as well as the timber papapets that would have existed in the original building. The main entrance was on the western side where, at a later time, an entrance porch was added to the original arched opening.

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Castles and fortifications in Ireland

User Reviews

Ярослав Кузнец (16 months ago)
Brilliant castle and we were very lucky with weather. Road is a bit tricky as it’s very narrow. As per 5th of August 2023 site is closed to public entrance due to conservation works so you can’t visit it.

Debhin “Des” G.W (3 years ago)
Brilliant castle. O' Gara abu!

Sandra vtZ (5 years ago)
Appreciated the ruggedness of the rural setting, with cows grazing and not much commercialization as yet.

James Connolly (5 years ago)
There had been an effort to significantly restore this monument in the early 2000s, but that was apparently sidetracked by the economic collapse of 2008 and thereafter. Currently, the site is untended but still accessible by opening a gate. The fortress is rather impressive in terms of its overall size and the intactness of two of its towers. Entrance to the interior of the fortress is barred currently, but it appears that from the front that it is possible to enter over a rather steep dirt path. Caution should be observed as some of the rocks in the upper walls are clearly loose and susceptible to tumbling down on reckless explorers.

PartialZeus Playz (7 years ago)
The castle is a very historic location. Be warned there are cows there so that means cow poo

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