Ireland · Ruin
Ballymoon Castle
Ballymoon Castle is a ruined medieval castle and National Monument located about 3 km east of Bagenalstown in County Carlow, Ireland. The fabric standing today is largely curtain wall and foundations; it is generally dated to the 13th or early 14th century.
Its prime
1300
Today
Ruin
As it stood in 1300
What Ballymoon Castle looked like in its prime.
A squat, square fortress defined by granite curtain walls roughly 80 feet (24 m) on each side, standing about 20 feet high with bases some 8 feet thick. The interior is an open courtyard ringed by the foundations and low remnants of domestic ranges; traces of two-storey structures cling to the inside faces. The western wall contains an arched gateway with visible portcullis grooves and possible barbican traces. Cross-shaped gun loops and narrow arrow slits puncture the stonework.
Its story
The story of Ballymoon Castle.
Much of Ballymoon's history is lost. The castle is thought to date from the 13th century, built either by Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk, in turbulent times, or by the Carew family, who acquired the land when Bigod died without issue. The scant traces of interior structures beyond the foundations have led to speculation that it was never completed.
What stands is a square courtyard about 80 feet on each side, its granite walls 20 feet high and some eight feet thick at the base, with an arched western gateway grooved for a portcullis — and possibly once fronted by a barbican — plus cross-shaped gun loops and arrow slits in the walls. Foundations mark the doors and fireplaces, the large double fireplace on the north side belonging to the great hall. In the late 1800s the castle was bought by Michael Sheill of Wexford, and it is now a National Monument.
Step inside
7 places to explore in 1300.
The record describes 7 distinct spots at Ballymoon Castle — including 5 interiors: western gateway (from the courtyard), central open courtyard, great hall, north wall double fireplace and more. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and walk through every one — more scenes means more rooms, more angles, and more of the place to stand in.
Create History
Recreate Ballymoon Castle with AI to explore it.
The artist rebuilds it as it stood in 1300 — a photoreal walk that belongs to you alone. Pay with coins, no subscription needed.
Recreate this castle →Whose castle
Clans who held Ballymoon Castle.
The families that held Ballymoon Castle for a decade or more across its history — follow a name to its clan.
Bigod
Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk, held the land and is one candidate as the castle's builder; he died without issue.
Carew
The Carew family acquired the land on Roger Bigod's death without issue.
