Castle

The precise location of Ballyvarra Castle within the townland has not been identified. Castle described by Westropp (1906-7, 85-6) as following; '1540 The man of Baile I Bharra was Seafruin (Geffry), son of Ulick (Rental). 1582 David, his grandson, of Ballyvarry C[astle], was slain in Desmond's rebellion in Aherloe. 1583 W. Bourke held it (Des. R. 37). 1597 Pardon to Gef. f. Ulick Bourke of Ballibarrie (F. 6170). 1608 The mear of the liberties of Limerick included this C[astle]. (Inq. Exch.). 1655 Ric. Bourke sold the C[astle]. to Capt. T. Walcott ; he also held the mill (C.S. xxix., 6 B.D. 108). 1667 Walcott confirmed in it (Act Sett.)'. The castle and mill stood on lands belonging to Richard Bourke. The 1654-56 Civil Survey of Limerick recorded that on the lands of 'Ballyvorrie two plowlands haveing a Castle and a Mill upon it' (Simington 1938, 464). See attached Down Survey map of Killeenagarriff parish map showing Ballyvarra Castle and mill (LI006-070----) (NLI, MS 718). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 14 January 2020

Ballyvarra Castle was held by Seafruin (Geffry), son of Ulick (Renta) in 1540. It is remembered as an example of early 16th-century Gaelic stronghold architecture in the region.