Castle (in Ruins)

Marked on the Down Survey barony map. Known as Milltown Ballyvuilling castle. Situated in undulating countryside, in farmyard. It consisted of a square tower with levelled outworks and a modern dwelling-house built against it (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907 vol. 1, 302-03). A wall (L c. 29m, H c. 2.9m, wall T c.0.9m) built of roughly coursed rubble limestone, running NW to SE are the only remains. Described in the History of the Queens County as 'One square tower constitutes the principal remnant of this structure. Most of the outworks, consisting of walls and earthen mounds are now levelled. Stagnant fishponds occupy the site of its surrounding fosse. The building was placed by the side of a shallow rivulet, and it is well sheltered by hills in every direction, except towards the south. The situation of the castle seemed more calculated for domestic comfort, than for defensive warfare. A modern dwelling-house has been attached to it' (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907 vol. 1, 303). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

Milltown Ballyvuilling castle was built in the 17th century, likely by a local landholding family in the barony area. It is remembered for its historical presence on the Down Survey map and as a rare example of early modern rural defensive architecture in the region.