What is recorded here

Ballinree Castle still stands in ruins, its irregular granite boulders and three vaulted chambers surviving the collapse that took its roof and purpose. The northeast tower once held a staircase twisting and stretching upward, while wide windows were later choked into narrow openings, suggesting a home that adapted as much as it resisted. Whoever lived there must have felt the weight of those stones and the sudden darkness when the vaults fell. Now the rubble waits for rain, keeping the shape of a room that no longer has a name.

The following description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Carlow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 July 2007 Marked (in ruins)' on 1839 OS 6-inch map and on 1908 OS 25-inch map. According to ITA Survey (1945), projecting tower at NE angle contained partly spiral, partly straight stairs, originally with wide, segmental-arched windows, subsequently blocked to create narrow opes (wall T c 1.8m). Ground floor of three vaulted chambers; one large, two small. Walls of irregular granite boulders, with slight batter. Embrasure and three vaults suggest similarity to Rathnageeragh (CW020-004001-). Pile of rubble on site.

Ballinree Castle was built in the 17th century by the Butler family, who were prominent landowners in the area. It is remembered as an example of early Irish country house architecture and for its historical association with one of the most influential families in Leinster.

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