Ballylahan Castle Explained

Ballylahan Castle
Native Name:Caisleán Átha Leathain
Native Language:ga
Other Name:Ballylaghan Castle
Coordinates:53.9343°N -9.1049°W
Location:Ballylahan, Strade,
County Mayo, Ireland
Built:1239
Owner:State
Type:tower house
Height:12m (39feet)
Designation1:National Monument of Ireland
Designation1 Offname:Ballylahan Castle
Designation1 Number:325

Ballylahan Castle is a tower house and National Monument located in County Mayo, Ireland.[1] [2]

Location

Ballylahan Castle is located 2.3km (01.4miles) northeast of Strade, on the south bank of the River Moy.[3]

History

This castle was constructed in 1260 by Jordan de Exeter, Sheriff of Connacht and was the ancient seat of the Mac Siúrtáin (MacJordans).[4] [5]

The castle came under attack in 1316 by the King of Connacht, Fedlim Ó Conchobair and was almost destroyed.[6] [7]

Building

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.[8] [9]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Guide through Ireland. James Fraser (of. Dublin.). 1 January 1844. 486. Google Books.
  2. Web site: A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland. Samuel. Lewis. 1 January 1837. 609. Lewis. Google Books.
  3. Web site: Antiquities. Mayolibrary.ie. 12 May 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20171024170715/http://www.mayolibrary.ie/en/LocalStudies/IrishTouristAssociationSurvey/Templemore/Antiquities/PDFDocument,19176,en.pdf. 24 October 2017. dead.
  4. Web site: Ballylahan Castle – Straide Parish. Straideparish.com.
  5. Web site: JORDAN'S OF MAYO: HISTORY. Straideparish.com. 2016-11-07. https://web.archive.org/web/20161212213635/http://peterjordan.castlebar.ie/jordan.htm. 2016-12-12. dead.
  6. Web site: Ballylahan Castle Co Mayo. Irelandinruins.blogspot.ie.
  7. Castle of Ballylaghan, Co. Mayo. Angelo Maria. Bigari. 12 May 1964. 12 May 2019. Tara.tcd.ie.
  8. Book: McNeill, T. E.. Castles in Ireland: Feudal Power in a Gaelic World. 18 August 2005. 256. Routledge. 9781134708864. Google Books.
  9. Web site: Ballylahan Castle. Irishantiquities.bravehost.com.