Ballybunion is situated eight miles west of Listowel and is one of the most popular seaside resorts on the west coast of Ireland. Ballybunion Castle was built on an elevated point above the cliffs which extend down in both directions from the castle overlooking White Strand shore. It has suffered many battles and bad weather so as the sea walls are now gone. The stronghold overlooks the mouth of the Shannon.

From a plaque inscription on the East Wall of Ballybunion Castle:

'Ballybunion Castle was built by the Geraldines in the 14th Century. It stands on the Castle Green site of an old promontory coastal fort of the "Clann Conaire." In 1582 the castle had been acquired from the Geraldines by the Bonyon family. In 1583 William Og Bonyon lost the castle and lands due to his part in the Desmond Rebellion. In 1612 the castle and lands were granted to Thomas Fitzmaurice 16th Lord of Kerry and Lixnaw by the English King James 6th. By 1783 Richard Hare was in possession of the castle. From 1923 onwards the castle has gone under the care of the Office of Public Works. It was destroyed in the Desmond Wars. All that remains today is this East Wall.

It stands as a memorial to the Bonyons, a proud and powerful family from whom today's beautiful coastal town of Ballybunion takes its name.'

Thanks to Michael Anthony Hartney for the quote and the photos. Click on the two thumbnails to see a larger image.

These images cannot be reproduced without Mr. Hartney's express written permission.