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Ballaghmore
Castle is a unique and beautiful place. Set in the Irish
midlands in Co. Laois, it is the perfect setting for a relaxing
rural break in luxurious and historic surroundings.
Situated in beautiful country side, with its renowned fishing, shooting,
riding, hunting, hill walking, mountain climbing and golf.
Ballaghmore Castle can be rented weekly or weekends, for hen, stag and private
parties, weddings etc.
Self-catering or staffed.
Accommodation is also offered in the 16th Century
Manor Guest House on the grounds.
Set in 30 acres - Ballaghmore Castle provides privacy and peace.
Situated between Roscrea and Borris-on-Ossory,
Ballaghmore Castle was built in 1480 by the Gaelic Chieftain MacGiollaphadraig
(now called Fitzpatrick), meaning son of the servant of Patrick.
Lords of Upper Ossory. They defended North Munster, strategically
placed as they were on the old Irish Road. A Sheela-na-Gig carved
in stone is on the front facing wall, a pagan fertility symbol to
ward off evil.
Ballaghmore was partially destroyed by Cromwell's forces in 1647.
It was restored in 1836 by a Mr. Ely who found a hoard of gold on
the land. Ely was shot by an angry tenant and never lived in the
castle. The castle was then used as a granary and afterwards fell
into disuse, until the present owner Gráinne Ní Cormac,
bought it in 1990 and restored it. Now furnished.
Gráinne (Grace) will delight you with stories of the history
of the MacGiollaphadraigs (changed to Fitzpatrick by order of Henry
8th of England) which goes back to 500 B.C.
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