Castle in Kilbillaghan

In 1612 Robert Dillon of Cannorstown was granted in 'Kilbellaghan, containing a castle, 20 houses, 12 gardens, a mill (WM035-038----), and 1 plowland' (Cal. pat. rolls Ire., Jas I, 228). In 1619 Edmond Malone and Teige O’Higgan surrendered to the King ‘1 stone castle, 20 messuages, 1 water-mill’ (Cal. pat. rolls Ire., Jas I, 464) in Kilbellaghan. In the same year the King confirmed his grant to Edmond Malone of Kilgarvan which included a ‘stone castle with 12 messuages, 1 watermill and 3 cartrons, and ⅔ of a cartron in Kilbellaghan and Cromrodd’ (Cal. pat. rolls Ire., Jas I, 481). The precise location of this medieval castle within the townland of Kilbillaghan has not been identified. In 1837 the Ordnance Survey memoranda recorded that ‘no part of a castle now visible here but tradition states that there was a castle of the O’Melaghlins so call (viz. Kilbillaghan Castle)’ (SMR File). In 1981 the following was recorded; ‘No one can point out with certainty the site of this castle although the owner of Newbridge House (now derelict) thinks the castle could have been on this site. The house appears to be of 18th century. It is a two storey structure of four bays with a lower two storey wing at the northern end. The lowest floor of this wing has a vaulted roof of 17th century or 18th century type, the vault springing from each corner of the room. The vault is now plastered over, a vault of this type in such a small house is an unusual feature. No definite remains of a medieval structure can be discerned’ (SMR File 14/10/1981).