2004 Fáilte Ireland
Merit Award

 

Ballaghmore Castle
Dublin Road,
Borris-in-Ossory,
Co. Laois.

Tel. 0505 21453.

International numbers:
Tel. +353 505 21453.

Email:
gracepym@eircom.net


Video on IRISHTV.ie
Starts at 13 mins

 

 



As well as offering accommodation, the castle is open to vistors all year round

Admission prices:

Adults €15
Children €8
Family of 4 €30



Fitzpatrick Coat of Arms

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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