Castle

Folklore collected from Nohoval School in Scart recorded the following tradition about this castle site; 'There are four castles in the parish of BallyMcElligott; all these castles were owned by the McElligotts. There is one castle at Bally Carthy [KE038-043----] the other is at Bally McThomas; there is another at Ara-Bella and there is a castle at Bally Mullen near Tralee' (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0444, Page 273; https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4706345/4704443/4778812?pageNum=273). In 1942 the ITA Survey recorded the following details about Ballymacthomas Castle; 'about a mile away to the West on the Tralee Killarney road. About ten feet high of three walls remains here. The Castle is on the roadside and apparently uncared for' (ITA Survey). The precise location of a possible castle in Ballymacthomas (Baile Mhic Thomáis) within the parish of Ballyseedy, barony of Trughanacmy has not been identified, and it is doubtful if there ever was a castle within this townland. The schools folklore and the ITA Survey may be referring to Bealagrellagh Castle (KE039-004----) which is located in the adjoining townland to the SE of Ballymacthomas. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 27 May 2022

The castle in Ballymacthomas was held by the McElligott family, as recorded in local folklore from the parish of BallyMcElligott. It is remembered as part of a tradition noting four McElligott-owned castles in the area, reflecting the family's historical presence and influence in the region.