Castle

Ballykealy Castle (site of). This was an ancient castle of the Fitzmaurices and gave the title of baron to a younger branch of the family. In 1841 O'Donovan stated that the castle measured 21 feet 6 inches (6.5m) E-W on the outside, and the N wall rose to a height of about 16 feet (4.8m). The walls were over 7 feet (2.1m) thick and were built of limestone with lime and sand mortar and were well grouted. The castle is mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters (1577) where it states that 'On this occasion Mac Maurice was permitted by O'Donnell to take with him a portion of the army to see and visit Clanmaurice. As they passed along through the territory they found some of its castles in danger not well guarded and took them.' No surface trace of this castle can be seen today. The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 1006. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 3 August 2013

Ballykealy Castle was held by the Fitzmaurice family, who were significant landowners in Munster, and it granted the title of Baron to a younger branch of the family. The castle is remembered for its historical association with the influential Fitzmaurice lineage and as an example of medieval Irish aristocratic architecture.