What is recorded here

Castle in Ballyfraley, never located, is remembered only through the Frawley name repeated in old grants. The family gave their identity to several townlands across Limerick and Clare, yet the exact stones in Ballyfraley vanished from human knowledge. What remains is a gap shaped like a building: rooms implied but never seen, a threshold that leads nowhere on any known path.

The precise location of a castle in the townland of Ballyfraley (Baile Uí Fhreáile) has not been identified. Westropp (1906-7, 233-4) recorded the following details about Ballyfraley Castle; 'The Ui Fairchealla, Farrelly, or Frawley, family was widespread in Limerick, and gave its name to Ballyarella or Mount levers in Co. Clare. 1583 Donygalyn or Ballyfarewell, in Newcastle Manor, J. Omakisse (Des, R., 13b). 1593 Ballynwryly, in Ballincastelane, granted to Ughtred (Fi. 5782). 1611 J. Tankard held Ballinwreyley or Ballinarely C.[astle] from Courteney (Inq. Chan, 6b). 1655 J. Shihie held Bally Earalla, in Grangie (C.S, 10); not to be confused with Ballymureley in Kilmeedy'. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 8 December 2020

Ballyfraley Castle was likely held by the Ó Fhreáile (Farrell) family, a Gaelic Irish clan active in the region during the medieval period. The castle is remembered for its association with local Gaelic lordship and the historical presence of the Farrells in the area.

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