Castles of County Carlow

Carlow County - Ireland Genealogical Projects (IGP ^TM)

Writers over the years have claimed that there were over 150 castles in County Carlow. Tommy Clarke has succeeded in identifying the sites of 93. (Source: Carloviana 1990/1991

A letter from the Irish Parliament to Henry VI in 1435

Also the Countee of Catherlagh, in the south - west partie of the citie of Dyvelyn (Dublin) within this XXX yeare was oon of the keyes of the said lande myd way betweene the said citie and the out parties, it is inhabyted with enemyes and rebelx save the castles of Catherlagh and Tillagh (Carlow and Tullow) and within this lX yere there were in the said countee of Catherlagh CXLVIII. castelx and pyles defensible, well routed, bataylled and inhabyted, that now been destrued and under the subjection of the said enemies. Ref. Collections of Kildare and Leighlin, page 15.

Castle / Location		Description
Ardristan:		On the lands of Ardriston stands a castle. Ref. Down Survey.
Augha:		Two castles on the lands of Acha (Augha). Ref. Down Survey.
Ballenekely now Burton Hall:		On Ballenekely stands a castle in good repair. Ref. Down Survey.
Balliahew now Kyleballyhugh:		On Balliahew stands a castle. Ref. Down Survey.
Ballinkillen:		Site of castle in Ballinkillen. Ref. Ordinance Survey Field Letters. http://www.bagenalstownparish.ie/our-parish/parish-history/ballinkillen-history/
Ballinree:		Ballinree has the ruins of a castle Ref. Ordinance Survey Field Letters.
Ballintrane:		The old castle of Ballytrarney in Foert. (Barony of Forth). Ref. Patent Rolls of James 1, 22nd Feb. 1604.
Ballycrinnegan:		Possible castle site. In the Inquisitions of the Province of Leinster 3rd Sep. 1639 called Ballycrenegan Castell and in the "State of Ireland 1598," called Ballycramgain Castlayn.
Ballyellen:		Upon Ballilin (Ballyellen) stands a castle. Ref. Down Survey.
Ballyloo:		The chief, Morier McDonoghe Kavanagh of the sept of Ballyloo is dead, his sept in rebellion, his house the Castle of Ballyloo. Ballyloo Castle, of which only fragments remain is located south of Tinryland village and was the main residence of the Cavanagh family. It was built in 1390 by Art Og Cavanagh, king of Leinster who died by poisoning in 1417. The St. Joseph’s Church was built in 1819 under Bishop James Doyles’s reign
Ballybar:		Brian McDonoghe Ballaghe Kavanagh, Chief of his sept, he is upon protection, his house Castle Balliboghare in O'Dorne. (Idrone). Ref. Carew Calendar, 1601-1603, page 447.
		Ballydarton House nr. Leighlinbridge. Associated family Watson. Early to min-19th century (1830's) Gothic House, designed by renowned architect Daniel Robertson, by Samuel Watson for his son Samuel (1715-1784). The Watson Family were known for their keen horsemanship, killing the last wolf in Ireland and writing the rules for Horse Polo as it is played today.. The home of Robert Watson the last of the family who died in 1906. Following the death of his widow, the house passed to a relative Mrs Gaussen, whose sons were killed in the First World War. (See CWGC where only 4 people are recorded by this name - CJB). Following her death the house was purchased by Captain Thomas in the 1940’s. The house then had a number of owners until purchased by a German National in the early 1960’s who never resided at Ballydarton, having fled East Germany at the end of the Second World War, and lived in Western Germany. He purchased Ballydarton as he felt Ireland would be one of the safer countries in which to reside should Europe go to war again. The Smyth family purchased the house from him in 1969 and they have resided there for around the last 50 years. Today houses Smyth & O’Reilly, a leading Artisan Irish Distillery, specialising in Gin products.
Ballyloughan:		In Ballyloughan are the ruins of four castles. The four sections of ruins that remain represent only one castle. Ref. Ordinance Survey Field Letters. http://glasnost.itcarlow.ie/~feeleyjm/archaeology/11-ballyloughan.pdf
Ballymogue:		Ballymogue castle in the south of the townsland. A pile of stones in the "Castle Field" are all that remain. Ref. Ordinance Survey Field Letters.
Ballymoon:		"Upon Ballymonny (Ballymoon) stands a castle." Ref. Down Survey. Ballymoon Castle National Monument situated 2 miles (3 km) east of Muine Bheag (Bagenalstown), County Carlow, thought to date from the 13th century. Thought to have been built by either Roger Bigod or the Carew family, who acquired the land from the Bigods Earls of Norfolk. In the late 1800s the castle was bought by Michael Sheill from Wexford who established a number of local businesses.The castle is now in ruins and consists of a square courtyard about 80 feet on each side, with 20 foot high granite walls that are about 8 feet wide at the base. The inside of the castle is open, but the walls show where the doors and fireplaces were positioned. The large double fireplace on the north side was part of the great hall. There are no traces of the interior structure of the castle apart from the foundations, and this has led to speculation that the castle was never completed. The wall on the western side has an arched gateway. Portcullis grooves can be seen on the gateway, and there may have been a barbican in front. A number of cross shaped gun loops and arrow slits can be seen in the castle walls. See Visions of the Past with numerous images. Source: https://www.geni.com/projects/Historic-Buildings-of-County-Carlow/29168
Ballynunnery:		A photograph of the castle ruins appears in J.K.A.S. vol. XI, page 301. Also a sketch from Thomas Dineley's Journal (1608) in J.R.S.A.I. vol. 7, 1862/63, page 47. The ruins were levelled in recent years.
Ballytarsna:		In Ballytarsna the ruins of a castle. Ref. Ordinance Survey Field Letters.
Ballyvolden:		Upon Ballimolden (Ballyvolden) stands a castle. The castle is now represented by a moated site to the east of the Ballon-Rathoe Road. Possibly the castle of Baldwin de Carreu. See Register of St. Thomas Abbey, Dublin. Charter no. ccclvii. Ref. Down Survey.
Bennekerry:		Ruins of Graiguecastle about 50 perch off the Carlow-Tullow Road at Bennekerry, the stones of the castle were removed about 1809 to build Bennekerry House. Ref. Ordinance Survey Field Letters.
Bestfield formerly Dunganstown:		Upon Ducanstown (Dunganstown) stands a castle." Over the years stones from the ruins have been carted away for building purposes, but some traces are still clearly discernible on the east bank of the Barrow.
Borris House:		Morgan Kavanagh was seized of the castle town and lands of 'Borres.' Ref. Inquisition at Carlow, 15th Sep. 1637.
Carlow: Carlow Castle page		Ruins on the east bank of the Barrow. A late 17th century sketch of the then intact castle appears in 'Grose's Antiquities of Ireland' and two late 17th century sketches can be seen in 'Thomas Dineley's Journal' (1680).
Carrigduff:		In the centre of Carrigduff an old castle ruin covered with ivy. Ref. Ordinance Survey Field Letters.
Carrtckslaney:		Possible site. "Upon Carrickslaney stands a house. Ref. Down Survey.
Castlegrace:		William le Gras, son of Edmund le Gras, Grants to Edmund Butler of Ireland, and his heirs, Castrum Gras in Forth. "Endorsed, the deed of Gras's Castell in Forth." Ref. Calendar of Ormond Deeds, Vo.. 1. No. 340. Between 1299-1305.
Castlemore:		Upon Castlemore stands a castle. Ref. Down Survey.
Castletown Castle:		Upon Castletown stands a castle. A small section of the original castle is incorporated in the present Castletown Castle, the residence of Mr. John Monahan.
Chapelstown:		Grant from the King, James I, to Sir Charles Wilmott, of the castle, town and lands of Chapelstown. Ref. Patent Rolls of James 1, 26th Jan. 1612.
Clocristick:		Possible site, suggested by the name. In the Carew Mss. Microfilm National Library, Dublin, called Clochroistic, i.e. Roche' Stone (Castle).
Cloes inch:		now ORCHARD, near Leighlinbridge: Cloes Inch in county Carlow containing a ruinous castle. Ref. Inquisitions of the Province of Leinster. 25th Sep. 1635.
Cloghkeit:		Possible site suggested by the name. "Cloghkeit in the parish of Killinane." Ref. Advertisement for auction of land in Killinane 1868, "Parish Bundles, Co. Library, Carlow.
Clogrennane (Clogrenan Castle): Clogrenan Castle & House		The Manor of Cloughgreenane wheron stands a faire house (castle) in repair. Ref. Down Survey. The castle of Clogrennane is four square but little as are the manner of the castles in that land. A sketch of the castle appears in Thomas Dineley's Journal J.R.S.A.I. vol. 7, 1862/63, page 42. Ref. Calendar of Carew MSS 1515-74.
Cloghna:		Grant from James I to Sir John Davys the castle, town, and lands of Cloghna. Ref. Patent Rolls James 127/2/1617.
Cloghnekeartin:		An indenture dated 24th Feb. 1589 whereby Sir Edmund Butler of Clogrennane grants the "castle and lands of Cloghnekeartin in Tullefellem" (Tullow) to Thomas Kavanagh of Callan, Co. Kilkenny. Ref. Calendar of Ormond Deeds. Vo. VI, No. 58.
Clonegal: Clonegal Castle		Clonegal (Huntington) castle was built as a tower house in 1625 by the 1st Lord Esmonde. It was remodelled with additions in 1680 and again 1720. Ref. Burke's Guide to Country Houses, Vo. 1, page 157.
Clonmacshane:		Clonshannon alias Cloghneshannon. Clogh McShoneen = Jennings Stone (castle). Ref. Act of Settlement & Explanation 3/3/1680.
Clonmelsh:		Grant from James I to Theobald Viscount Butler of Tulleophelim (Tullow) "of a castle, four cottages, sixty two acres arable and fourty four pasture in Clonemulskye" (Clonmelsh). Ref. Patent Rolls James 120/12/1607.
Clonmore Castle :		In 1332 Sir Anthony de Lucy, the Justiciary carried out extensive repairs to the "Castrum de Clonmore." Ref. Annals of Friar Clyn. Source of image: http://www.antique-prints-maps.com/
Clonmullen:		Grant from the King James I, to James Hamilton. A castle and a mart - land in Clonmullin. 14/2/3rd year James I. (yr1606). Notes for researchers: James I of England from the period 1603-1613, by Paul van Somer I (1576-1621). Reign 24 July 1567 – 27 March 1625 (Scotland). 24 March 1603 – 27 March 1625 (England and Ireland). Predecessor Mary, Queen of Scots (Scotland) Elizabeth I (England). Successor - Charles I. Royal house – Stuart. Father - Lord Darnley. Mother - Mary I. Born - 19 June 1566. Edinburgh Castle. Died - 27 March 1625 (aged 58). Theobalds House. Burial - Westminster Abbey.
Clonogan:		An old castle on Clonogan. Ref. Down Survey. The commissioners found that the chief dwelling of "The Manor of Clonogan" was formerly a castle built for the defence of the Country. Ref. J.K.A.S., vol. 7, page 127. Clonogan house built in 1827/7 from the stones of Clonogan castle. Ref. Ordinance Survey Field Letters.
Cloruske:		Possible site, suggested by name.
Closutton:		A moated site known locally as "The Bawns." Called Clogh Ireton in the Down Survey. Morogh son of Gerald "Sutton" Kavanagh, was in dispute with Sir Peter Carew about lands in Idrone in 1569. Ref. Down Survey.
Clowater:		Site of Clowater castle in the north centre, in a stockyard which is the property of the widow Tennant. Ref.. Ordinance Survey Field Letters.
Coppenagh:		Coppenagh castle, a roughly built structure about 30 links square. Ref.. Ordinance Survey Field Letters.
Craans:		Castle site is shown on the Down Survey Map, in the northern part of the townsland.
Downings:		In the north side of Downings the site of an old castle. Ref.. Ordinance Survey Field Letters.
Dunleckney:		Upon Dunlackey (Dunleckney) is a castle. Ref. Down Survey.
Fardurraghagranchy Castle		Fardurraghagranchy Castle, Grangeford. Co Carlow - Grange in County Carlow is often written as Grangeford. It is thought that the name is derived from a Rath in the vicinity. In the Name Book, it is down as "Fardurraghagranchy Castle". Grainche - a Castle, or Forth or Rath. Farrdurragha means "a dark man", hence "The Castle of the Dark man of Grange".
Fenagh:		Castle site now occupied by a church. Ref.. To Castle of Finfagh 1279 (Fenagh) in the Earl of Norfolk's Estates in Ireland, J.R.S.A.I. vo. XXII 1892. page 53
Friarstown:		On Fryarstown stands a castle. Ruins now consist of part of the west wall standing in a pile of rubble. Ref. Down Survey.
Garryhill:		Grant from the king to Gerald, Earl of Kildare. "An old castle, six messuages etc. in Garkhill." Patent rolls James 131/5/1609.
Garryhundon:		Grant to Theobald Viscount Tullow, from James I of a castle, six cottages, and one hundren and twenty two acres in Carrickebroughan otherwise Garriehondon. Ref. Patent rolls James 120/12/1607.
Griguealug:		Castle site shown on 1839 Ordinance Survey Map and marked in ruins.
Graiguenaspidogue:		On Grange Pedough (Graiguenaspidogue) stands a castle. Ruins now levelled. Ref. Down Survey.
Grangeford:		See calendar of Justiciary Rolls 1305, vol. 1, page 36. "In state of Ireland 1598" described as one of the chief castles of the County. Also mentioned in the Earl of Norfolk's Estates in Ireland. J.R.S.A.I. vol XXII, page 58.
Gurteenvacan:		The said Richard Eustace should "build the said castle of Gurtinevackan substantially with lime and stone, a height above the vaulte with a battlement and a slate roof, and make a stoane wall about, and also make a stronge gate of oak timber and boords."20/2/1600. Ref. J.K.A.S, vol. 8, page 161.
Hacketstown:		A castle formerly stood at Hacketstown stated to have been coeval with that of Clonmore and to have been built by the same person. The site is now occupied by the local Catholic Church. Ref. Collections of Kildare & Leighlin, page 233.
Haroldstown:		Indenture between Thomas, Earl of Ormond, where the Earl grants to Hugh Geankagh the castle and lands of Ballyroyll (now Haroldstown). Ref. Ormond deeds, vol. 5, No. 256.
Huntington Castle		Huntington Castle (also known as Clonegal Castle) see Clonegal Castle above
Johnstown:		Upon Johnstown stands a castle. Home of the Wall family since the latter part of the 14th century. Johnstown house built on Castle site. Ref. Down Survey.
Kilbride:		A castle in Kilbride. Ref. Down Survey.
Kilknock:		On Kilnocke there is a castle out of repair. Ref. Down Survey.
Killerig:		A castle on Killerrigge. Ruins consisting of a heap of rubble about Y2 mile to the west of Tullow - Castledermot Road. Ref. Down Survey.
Killenane:		Upon Killmoan (Killenane) stands a castle. Ref. Down Survey.
Killenora:		Possible site. In 1372 the earl of Kildare, the then Viceroy offered Donnchad McMurrough 20 marks as a reward for the safe keeping of the royal road between Carlow and Kilkenny, and the triumphant chief gave his receipt from his seat at Fynnor now Killenora. Ref. Edmond Curtis Medieval History of Ireland, page 242.
Killenure:		Grant by William Sheeth and Arthur Kewaneghe, Merchants, to Sir Edmund Butler of Tullow, of "All their messages, castles etc in Killenure. Ref. Ormond deeds, vol 5, No. 92, 4/7/1560.
Kneestown:		Grant from James I to Donatus, earl of Thomond, of Kneiston Alias Caslan Reddery. Caslan Reddery = The Knight's Castle. Ref. Patent Rolls of James 1. 30th July 1605.
Kylebelle:		Appears to be Ballinaboley, Leighlinbridge. In 1358 Sir John de Cornwaille who had acquired the castle of Kylbelle in the marches of Carlow, which had been destroyed by the O'Nolans, received a grant of £40 from the king for repairing it. Ref. Knights Fees in Counties Wexford, Carlow, and Kilkenny, page 76.
Leighlinbridge:		A Reference to a castle here at beginning of the 13th century. In 1547 Sir Edward Bellingham built a castle here the ruins of which are to be seen on the east bank of the Barrow. For more detailed information of the castle of Leighlinbridge see 'McLeans Life of Sir Peter Carew.' Ref. Annuary J.R.S.A.J. 1868/9, page 70. Source of images: http://heartshapedstones.blogspot.com
Lorum:		Castle of "Lowrane." Mentioned in inquisition of the province of Leinster 20/1/1627. Inq. Carlow 20/3/1626. "Morgan Kavanagh was seized of the castle, Town, and lands of Loaram.
Moanmore:		A castle site recorded on Down Survey Map.
Moyle:		Site of castle north west of Moyle house. Ref. Ordinance Survey Field Letters.
Newstown:		A castle in Newstoun. Newstonae alias Cloghnoa inquisition at Carlow, Sep. 1625.
Nurney:		Upon Urney (Nurney) stands a castle. Ref. Down Survey.
Painestown:		(Oak Park). Upon Painstown stands a castle. Ref. Down Survey. Recovery by Sir Peter Carew against Peter Barrye of Paynston, of a castle and certain lands." Ref. Down Survey.
Park:		Upon ye lands of Parke stands a decayed castle. Ref. Down Survey. Of the nine septs of the Kavanaghs named at the beginning of 17th century, number four is the sept of Park descended from Art More, "the chief was Muriertaghe McMorishe Kavanagh, he, with his sept is in rebellion.' Ref. Carew Calendar (1601-1603), page 447.
Pollerton Castle
Portrushen:		Possible site. Upon Dortrishen stands a house. Ref. Down Survey.
Poulmounty (Ballinalour):		Chief Baron Finglas in 6th cen. included the Pass of 'Pollemouinty' in the list of the passages in the kingdom notorious for their dangerous character. The building of the castle is attributed to Lord St. Mullins (Cahir Mclnnycross Kavanagh) about the middle of the 16th century. Ref. The Clan Kavanagh, Temp. Henry VIII. By Herbert Francis Hore.
Powerstown:		On 23rd Oct. 1537, Pierce, 8th Earl of Ormond, and his eldest son, James Butler, Treasurer of Ireland, to reward them for their activity on behalf of the Crown, were granted the Castles of Rathvilly, Clonmore, Tullow, etc., and Powerstown. Ref. Calendar of Carew MSS 1515-15 74, page 128.
Rathellen:		In 1358 John Galbarre was granted 100/s. for his expenses in fortifying two fortalices in Galbarreston and Rahalyn (Rathellen). Ref. Knights Fees in Counties Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny, page 76.
Rathmore:		Upon Rathmore an old castle. In the "State of Ireland 1598. Rathmore is described as one of the principal castles of the county. Ref. Down Survey.
Rathnageeragh:		The nine septs of the Kavanaghs are Referred to in "the Calendar of Carew manuscripts" (1601-1603), page 447. No. 1 is the sept (1) of Gerald Mc Moridaghe Oge Kavanagh, of Slugh Moritaughe, he is upon protection, his sept in rebellion, his house (castle) Rathengerye in O'Dorne (Idrone).
Rathoe:		Upon ye lands of Ratow stands a castle out of repair. Ref. Down Survey.
Rathvilly:		Indenture between Thomas, Earl of Carrick, Ormond and Ossory, where the Earl grants to James and Margaret O'Byrne "The house, castle, manor and Sittie" of Rathville 6/8/1572. Ref. Ormond Deeds, vol. 5, No. 232.
Redbog:		A castle site shown here on the Down Survey Map.
Shankill castle: (Paulstown):		The Castle itself dates from the 17th century and has some wonderful features, such as the ornamental canal which has just been restored. It is the home of one of Ireland's most distinguished painters and her family and is at the heart of large farm. The atmosphere is definitely eccentric and the decorative style is best described as eclectic. As they wander through the parkland or down to the early Wells Church an early Christian church which gave the castle its name guests will find that even the air is a tonic, soothing and tranquil. Kilkenny is 15 minutes away and there are delightful pubs in Leighlinbridge and Bagenalstown. Source: http://www.tourismresources.ie/cht/shank.htm
Shrule Castle
St. Mullins:		Cushlanmoyle castle mentioned in Ordinance Survey Field Letters, in 1536. Robert Cowley recommended that a "pile" or fortified tower be erected at "Tymolyn" and that the town there be walled and colonized." Ref. State papers, vol. 2, part 3, page 157.
Straboe:		In Jan. 1600 the County Carlow is stated to be in revolt; "only the Castle of Carlow, Laughlin, etc., and Shroughe Boe (Straboe) do stand, Being kept by wards for Her Majesty." Ref. Calendar of State Papers. Ireland, 1599-1600, page 438.
Templepeter:		On Templepeter stands a castle. Ref. Down Survey.
Tinnagarney (Tinnagarney):		Upon Vingarney is a castle. Ref. Down Survey.
Tinnehinch Castle		Upon Tynehincy stands a castle in good repair. Ref. Down Survey. Note: On the border of Carlow and Kilkenny Tinnahinch Castle is a fortified house, which was built by James Butler around 1620. The last occupant of the house, "Mad Butler', was burnt out of the house, through scandals involving his own family.
Tullow:		A sketch of Tullow castle appears in Thomas Dineley's Journal (1680) J.R.S.A.I., vol. 7, 1862/1863, page 48. Sir Edmond Butler
Whitecastle,		Maybe "the guard house on ye bridge". See Carloviana 1989, page 29. An old strong castle with four towers on the east of the Barrow, and a tower on the other side of the river. Ref. Pat and Close Rolls of Elizabeth, vol. 2, page 514 (1599).
Williamstown: Carlow:		Upon Williamstown stands a castle. Ref. Down Survey. Indenture dated 20/10/1576 between Sir Thomas Butler, Earl of Ormond, and Gilpatrick Moyle Mc Feylyne Oge, of Williamstown, where the Earl grants Williamstown with the castles, Meases etc. to the said Gilpatrick. Ref. Ormond Deed, vol. 5, No. 289.
Wells:		'The town of Wells is well inhabited, there is a garrison kept in the church or castle.' Ref. Down Survey.

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