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Ballymoon Castle today

Ireland · Ruin

Ballymoon Castle

Caisleán Bhaile Muáin

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.

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Photograph via Wikimedia Commons

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 explore every one, more scenes means more rooms, more angles, and more of the place to stand in.

Approach across the field and ditchWestern arched gateway (exterior)Western gateway (from the courtyard)Central open courtyardGreat hall, north wall double fireplaceInner face of the curtain wall with loops and rangesFoundations of doors and fireplaces (service ranges)

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The artist rebuilds it as it stood in 1300, a photoreal reconstruction that belongs to you alone. Pay with coins, no subscription needed.

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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.

Questions about Ballymoon Castle

What is the history of Ballymoon Castle?

Ballymoon Castle dates from the 13th century or early 14th century and may have been built during turbulent times by Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk, or by the Carew family. The Carews acquired the land after Bigod died without issue. In the late 1800s, Michael Sheill of Wexford bought the castle, which is now a National Monument.

What is inside Ballymoon Castle?

Inside Ballymoon Castle is an open central courtyard surrounded by curtain-wall foundations and low remnants of domestic ranges. The great hall stood on the north side, marked by a large double fireplace, while foundations show the positions of doors and other fireplaces. Remnants of some two-storey structures remain against the inside walls.

Why was Ballymoon Castle built, and what was it used for?

Ballymoon Castle was built as a fortified square courtyard castle during turbulent times. Its thick granite curtain walls, arched gateway, portcullis grooves, gun loops and arrow slits show its defensive purpose. The limited remains of domestic buildings have led to speculation that Ballymoon Castle was never completed.

Where is Ballymoon Castle?

Ballymoon Castle is about 3 kilometres east of Bagenalstown in County Carlow. It stands in a field next to the Fennagh road, within the administrative territorial entity of Muine Bheag. The castle is in Ireland.

When was Ballymoon Castle built?

Ballymoon Castle was built in the 13th century or early 14th century. The first-raised year is not recorded, so a more precise construction date cannot be given. The surviving structure belongs to a medieval building phase associated with either Roger Bigod or the Carew family.

Which family or clan held Ballymoon Castle?

Ballymoon Castle was associated with Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk, and the Carew family. Roger Bigod held the land and is one candidate for the castle's builder. The Carew family acquired the land after Bigod died without issue.

What did Ballymoon Castle look like in its prime?

Ballymoon Castle was a squat, square fortress with granite curtain walls roughly 80 feet on each side and about 20 feet high. The walls were around 8 feet thick at their bases and enclosed an open courtyard. Its western arched gateway had portcullis grooves, while cross-shaped gun loops and narrow arrow slits pierced the walls.

Is Ballymoon Castle still standing, or is it a ruin?

Ballymoon Castle is a ruin, with much of the surviving fabric consisting of curtain walls and foundations. Its granite walls remain about 20 feet high and roughly 8 feet thick at the base. Low remnants and foundations mark the former domestic ranges, while some two-storey structures survive against the inside walls.

Can you visit Ballymoon Castle?

Ballymoon Castle is accessible to the public. Access is via a small wooden bridge over a ditch, and visitors can reach the castle walls at ground level. The castle is a National Monument, and its surviving structure is an unmanaged ruin rather than a lived-in residence.

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