Castle

The precise location of Ballyea Castle within the townland has not been identified. Ballyea Castle described by Westropp (1906-7, 175-6) as following; '1583 Balliea C[astle]. and vill. in ffedamore (Des. R., 5b). 1588 Balliea C[astle]. and Killfedamore, to E. Manering; (Inq. Exch., Jas. I., No. 25). Don. O'Grady, of Killfeadamore, complains that Mainwaring took a parcel of the lands in which Jas., Earl of Desmond, had enfeoffed J. O'Grady, his father. Clement Fanning, Pierce Creagh, and N. Fox also complain of assessments in "halface" money made by Mainwaring (C.S.P.I.). 1618 Surrender and regrant to D., Earl of Thomond (Pat. R.). 1620 Sir T. Browne, Ed. FitzHarris, and R. Delahoyd surrender Castle, &c, as granted to Mainwaring, xxx. Eliz., and by him to Browne for use of Earl of Thomond (Ib.). 1655 Held by B., Earl of Thomond (C.S., p. 18). Unlocated castle site described in 1942-3 as following; 'The site of this could not be located nor had anyone in the district heard of its existence' (O'Kelly 1942-3, 222). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 28 February 2020

Ballyea Castle was likely built in the late 16th century, with references appearing in 1583 and 1588 land records. Its significance lies in its mention in early historical surveys, indicating it was a notable structure during the Tudor period in Ireland.