What is recorded here

Ballyvalode Castle vanished before it was ever drawn, leaving behind only a name repeated across centuries of contested ownership. Tirrelagh mac Brien held it in 1578, Knogher ohowan mac Bryan in 1586, and Therlagh mac Bryne in 1655, yet no wall, gate or room has since been identified. The castle may have been a tower, a courtyard or merely a claim written into law. Its absence does not diminish it; it sharpens the hunger to find what power kept returning to.

The precise location of a castle in the townland of Ballyvalode has not been identified. Westropp (1906-7, 104) recorded the following details about Ballyvalode Castle; '1578 Tirrelagh mac Brien holds one C[astle]. in Ballyvoylode (Inq. Exch., 7, 10). 1586 Ballyvylode held by Knogher ohowan mac Bryan (Peyton, p. 247). 1655 Held by Therlagh mac Bryne (C.S., xxiii., p. 4), granted to Duke of York. 1688 Ballyvelode confiscated (Trustees Maps, 4a, 24, 33). 1703 Purchased by Hollow Blades Company'. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 7 December 2020

Tirrelagh mac Brien held a castle in Ballyvalode in 1578, indicating the presence of a local Gaelic lordship in the area during the late 16th century. The mention in Westropp's survey highlights its historical significance in mapping early Irish castles and landholdings.

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