Why this matters
Christopher Plunkett held land at Ballymacad in Killeagh parish by 1654-56, though the castle itself is not shown on the Down Survey maps. Its mention in the Civil Survey highlights landownership patterns in the area during the Cromwellian period.
What is recorded here
A castle at Ballimackad (63) in Killeagh parish is not depicted on the Down Survey (1656-8) barony or parish maps (http://downsurvey.tcd.ie/) but according to the Civil Survey (1654-6) Christopher Plunkett owned 60 acres there together with the castle and bawn, and 30 cabins (Simington 1940, 272). The location is described as a castle and the site of a castle on the 1836 and 1908 eds of the OS 6-inch map, and is situated on a WNW-ESE esker ridge and c. 80m ESE of the motte (ME008-030----). The area has been quarried and some stone with mortar adhering is the only evidence of a structure.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Meath' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1987). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Compiled by: Michael Moore
Date of revision: 8 June 2016
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