Ballylahan Castle, Strade, Ireland

Ballylahan Castle is a tower house and National Monument located in County Mayo, Ireland. It was constructed in 1260 by Jordan de Exeter, Sheriff of Connacht and was the ancient seat of the Mac Siúrtáin (MacJordans). The castle came under attack in 1316 by the King of Connacht, Fedlim Ó Conchobair and was almost destroyed.

The main entrance was in the east and it was flanked by two circular towers, of which only one remains. The entrance gives access to an irregular hexagonal bawn. There is evidence of buildings particularly against the western wall. The bawn has some good base-batter, particularly at the northwest corner.

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User Reviews

Michael Foy sr (12 months ago)
Watch for bulls Awesome site but entrance is through a partial open spot through the wall. Look for cattle.

Nathalie Mullen (2 years ago)
Great size. It's interesting to see how time has affected the walls of this once greatvcastle.

DFW Reviews (2 years ago)
This ancient historical sight is breathtaking, albeit not touristy. A great place to stop for an adventurer rather than a tourist. Park carefully so you don’t get hit by a lorry. Respect the property of the neighboring farmers. The castle itself is impressive even in its dilapidated state. Feel free to have a chat with the cows, they are talkative.

susanne o loughlin (3 years ago)
Lovely spot there's a sty there to climb into rocky but very interesting to see

Tommy Lanigan (3 years ago)
Myself and a group of friends stopped here on the way back home from a stag weekend. From the road it doesn't look altogether that impressive but has beautiful arches and unique hexagonal layout. Worth a stop to stretch your legs and have a look if your into nature, history etc. It loses points for me because both at the site and online there is a disappointingly small amount of information about the castle.

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The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.

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The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.

Ballylahan Castle

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