Castleburke in ruins

Formerly known as Kilvoynell, held by Myles Mac Evilly in 1574, later owned by Theobald Bourke (Tibbot-na-Long) son of Granuaile (Blake 1929, 101). Four-storey rectangular tower (9.5m N-S; 12.6m E-W) in SW corner of large bawn with some later ancillary buildings. Built on high cleft of rock on NE shore of Lough Carra. Much of S and E walls have collapsed. Entered at ground level by doorway at E end of N wall. Ground floor divided into two rooms by N-S running wall which continued upwards to 1st-floor. Mural stairs on S, now inaccessible, leads to 1st-floor where spiral stairs begins, leading to uppermost storey. At first-floor level are three pointed finely-cut doorways which give access to main chamber; mural chamber with lintelled roof on W wall; and mural chamber with pointed vault on S wall. Similar doorways in 2nd-floor lead to main chamber with short rėmains of vaulting; mural passage leading to garderobe on S wall and mural chamber with pointed vault on S wall. Spiral stairs ends at 3rd floor, though it may have continued higher. On 3rd floor, small room containing stairs running S, now blocked, may have given access to wall walk. Main chamber well lit by large windows. Bawn survives in parts with turrets in NE and SE corners, both displaying gun loops. Other later buildings along S wall. The above description has been derived from D. Lavelle (compiler), An Archaeological Survey of Ballinrobe and District including Lough Mask and Lough Carra. Lough Mask and Lough Carra Tourist Development Association (1994), No. 710. Date of upload: 22 January 2013

Built by Myles Mac Evilly in the late 16th century and later held by Theobald Bourke, son of the famous pirate queen Granuaile, Castleburke is remembered for its association with the powerful Bourke family and its strategic significance in the west of Ireland.