What is recorded here

Kenry Barony, County Limerick: A Desmond tower house stood on the east side of Ballysteen, confiscated in the late 16th century and ruined by the mid 17th century. It may have risen where Ballysteen House later stood, its stones swallowed by fields and forgetting.

A Desmond castle, confiscated in late 16th century, and in ruins by mid 17th century (Westropp 1906-7, 156). Down Survey (1655 AD) map of Kenry Barony (Hib. Reg.) shows castle on E side of townland (Westropp 1907, 157); the depiction suggests castle was a tower house. Exact location not known though Westropp (ibid.) suggests it may be on the site of the later Ballysteen House (LI011-125----). Duplicate site with LI003-027----. Compiled by: Denis Power Date of upload: 26 August 2011

Built by the Desmond dynasty in the late medieval period, the tower house at Ballysteen was confiscated in the late 16th century during the aftermath of the Desmond Rebellions, reflecting the English Crown's efforts to subdue Gaelic lordships in Munster. Its presence on the Down Survey map highlights its strategic significance in the region before it fell into ruin by the mid-17th century.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.