What is recorded here

Bearnanaguihy Castle vanished into Tonbaun, leaving behind a name change and a gap where a tower should stand. Bryan Duff, Daniel O'Brien and Marg. Brien held it across centuries, yet no exact ruin remains for a visitor to touch. The loss is not merely factual; it is a reminder that castles can disappear entirely when memory and measurement stop agreeing.

The precise location of a castle in the townland of Tonbaun has not been identified. Westropp (1906-7, 153) recorded the following details about Bearnane/Bearnanaguihy Castle; '1584 Bryan Duff held Byrrynegyhie (Fi. 4486). 1633 It was held by Daniel O'Brien, and in 1655 by Marg. Brien. The C[astle]. shown near the north-west angle of Ballinvealla (C.S., xxxii., p. 10; D.S.B., 23; B.D., p. 57). 1667 Ric. Swete confirmed in Carrifulla (Jockey Hall), Buringehy and Graige (Greenmount). The name is now lost in "Tonbaun"; mears fixed from C.S.'. Tower House like castle in 'Bearnonaguihy' on the 17th century Down Survey map of Pubblebrien Barony (Hib. Reg.). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 4 December 2020

Bryan Duff held Bearnane/Bearnanaguihy Castle in 1584. The site is remembered for its historical association with local landholding and Gaelic lordship in the region during the late 16th century.

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