Bawn in Ballymurphy

The precise location of a castle (LI022-171----) and bawn in the townland of Ballymurphy has not been identified. Westropp (1906-7, 154) recorded the following details about Ballymurphy Castle; '1300 Suits of Barth. and Elena Appelgard, with T. and Anastatia de Sancto Bosco and Jordan de Dykelyston, about lands at Balymoruth (Plea R., 52, m. 7), and 1315 of J. f. Ric. f. Ector and W. Appilgard, about pasture in Balymorghith (lb., 138, m. 7). 1584 Ballyvorraghowe held by Bryan Duff (Fi. 4486; and in 1615, Inq. Chan., 15); he had granted the C[astle]. and bawn to David Bourke (1625, Inq. Exch., 94). 1655 The broken C[astle]. and bawn, Marg. Bryne (C.S., xxxii., p. 11 ; B.D., 57). The 1654-56 Civil Survey of Limerick recorded that Margaret Bryen alias Stephenson, an Irish Papist, was the owner of Ballymoroghow (Ballymurphy) which contained 'a broacken Castle & Bawne' (Simington 1938, 377). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 4 December 2020

Ballymurphy Castle was likely built during the late medieval period, possibly by a local Gaelic lord or Anglo-Norman settler. It is remembered for its historical association with the Ballymurphy townland and early archaeological surveys, though its exact significance remains unclear due to the lack of precise location and detailed records.