What is recorded here

Smearagh Castle vanished from Ballyoran before human memory, leaving only a small house marked on an early 17th century map and a warning that castle walls attract plunder. Owney Molloy held the land in 1641, but Sir William Petty took it in 1666, proving that possession there was never permanent. The castle may still lie beneath ordinary ground, waiting for someone brave enough to stop asking permission from forgotten men.

The precise location of Smearagh Castle in the townland of Ballyoran which was formerly known as Smearagh has not been identified. House indicated within the townland on early 17th century map of the area (Loeber 1988, vol. 1, 10), depicted as a small building at Smearagh. In 1641 the owner of the lands is listed as Owney Molloy (RIA, Ms, G-IV-2). In 1666 the lands were confiscated and granted to Sir William Petty (Loeber 1988, vol. 1, 10). In 1213 Cormack macArt O Melaghlin plundered Ballyboy and the castle of Smarlie (Smearagh?), this may be the building that is depicted on the Down Survey (1655-6) map (Loeber 1988, vol. 4, 46). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

Smearagh Castle, located in the townland of Ballyoran (formerly Smearagh), is recorded on an early 17th-century map, indicating its existence during the Plantation of Ulster period. It is remembered as evidence of early colonial settlement and land division in the region.

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