What is recorded here

Ballymachugh Castle vanished before modern mapping began, leaving only a faint mark on the 1654-9 Down Survey map of Newtown parish. The castle resisted every later survey, hiding from the OS 6-inch maps and denying itself to contemporary eyes. It may have been a small stronghold, a seasonal residence or a boundary marker for a family now lost. Whatever it was, it chose forgetfulness, retreating into Westmeath soil until even its name became a ghost.

The precise location of Ballymachugh Castle has not been identified. The castle is depicted on the 1654-9 Down Survey map of Newtown parish (NLI, MS 723-4). The castle is not depicted on any edition of the OS 6-inch maps. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 13 October 2016

Ballymachugh Castle was likely built during the 17th century, as indicated by its appearance on the 1654–1659 Down Survey map. Its exact builder and current status remain unknown, but its depiction on early maps highlights its historical presence in the Newtown parish area.

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