Castle (in ruins)

Situated on the summit of a broad hill and c. 70m SE of St. Mary’s church (WX045-045001-). References date from the 17th century where a survey of Bannow town in the Book of Survey and Distribution (1655) mentions a castle incidentally on Little St. (Hore 1900-11, vol. 4, 461). A chimney existed near the church (WX045-045001-) until the 19th century. John O'Donovan writing c. 1840 records that it was 25ft high (c. 7m) (O'Flanagan 1933, vol. 2, 85), but Toumey says it was in several pieces that would have been 30-40 feet (c. 9-12m) high. The notice of the election of two members of Parliament for the town were posted on this relic until the Act of Union in 1800 abolished the borough (Tuomey 1850, 199-200). The chimney was probably from a house rather than a castle, but nothing of the structure is visible at ground level. The obove description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 22 July 2013

The castle at Bannow was likely built during the late medieval period, possibly by the Butler family, who were prominent in the area. It is remembered for its strategic position near St. Mary’s church and for being mentioned in 17th-century surveys, indicating its historical presence and local significance.