What is recorded here

Beale Ruffyn Castle stood in Ballyvorheen during the sixteenth century, occupying three quarters of land and commanding woods dense with timber. Teige O Mulryan held the place while Westropp later misidentified it elsewhere, proving that forgotten stones often escape even careful historians. The castle vanished from every drawn map, leaving behind only a name and the suspicion that it still hides beneath the local grass.

The precise location of a castle within this townland has not been identified, Westropp incorrectly suggested that the historical reference below may have been to another castle in Co. Limerick. Castle described by Westropp (1906-7, 100) as following; 'Beale Ruffyn C[astle]. in Monasterio Wony (Peyton, p. 253b). As no other mention occurs, this may refer to Ballyvorneene C[astle]. in Clanwilliam [LI023-026----]'. However this is unlikely as the castle in Ballyvorneen (LI023-026---) is not located within the medieval parish of Mainistir Uaithne (Monasterie Wony/ Abington). The 16th century Desmond Survey recorded that in the territory of Owny Mulryan on the lands of Teige O Mulryan there stood 'the vill castle and land of Beale Ruffhyn in the parish of Monasterie wony in Wony O Molrian, Great County of Lymerick now or late in the occupation of said Teige and containing 3 quarters. Certain woods and underwoods called Kyllbeal Ruffhyn in which there is timber' (Murphy 2013, 347). No castle is depicted within this townland on the Down Survey map of Owenybeg Barony (Hib. Reg.) or on the Down Survey parish map of Mainistir Uaithne (Abington) (NLI, MS 718). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 16 June 2020

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.