Map by mapchart.net - Some rights reserved.
Location
Ballycarbery, County Kerry, Ireland
Description
Ballycarbery Castle overlooks the sea near the mouth of the Valencia River about 3km from Caherciveen in County Kerry.
The castle is in ruins, and the whole back wall has fallen down. The castle was surrounded by a defensive wall, but more than half of it has gone. You can still see the arrow slits along the remaining parts of the wall. A staircase can be seen inside one part of the wall. The ground floor of the castle had several rooms, of which only one has roof and walls intact. There are two staircases up to the first floor, one of which is still in good condition. The second floor is not accessible, as the stairs were probably against the back wall which has gone.
Facilities
The castle is in a pleasant location with views over the sea and surrounding countryside. It makes an impressive sight when seen from Ballycarbery Beach, especially at high tide.
History
The present Ballycarbery Castle was built in the 16th century, although there had been an earlier building on the site since the 14th century. It was a seat of the MacCarthy Mores, but may have been occupied by their wardens the O'Connells. During the 1590s it was granted to Sir Valentine Browne in the 1590s after the death of Daniel McCarthy More, but was taken back by the Macarthys during the wars between the Royalist and Confederate forces in the 1640s. Oliver Cromwell's troops severely damaged the castle in 1652 when it was attacked with cannons. Local farmers removed stones from the damaged castle for building.
Other Castles in the Area
Ballinskelligs Castle, County Kerry
Dunbeg Fort, County Kerry
Gallarus Castle, County Kerry
Minard Castle, County Kerry
Rahinnane Castle, County Kerry
Staigue Fort, County Kerry
|
|
|
|
