What is recorded here

Ballyleakin Castle vanished so completely that a modern shed now occupies its exact footprint, hiding the last medieval stones beneath ordinary pasture. The tower house stood on open ground with views in every direction, yet no wall or gate remains visible to mark the place where people once lived, defended themselves or watched the horizon. What is left is a forgotten foundation, swallowed by pasture and rebuilt upon, proving that even strong stone can disappear when nobody remembers the shape it held.

Probably a tower house but nothing remains except a few pieces of medieval stonework in secondary position in remains of old house. Shown on Down Survey (1655-6). (O'Flanagan 1933, 34). Located on good pasture land with extensive views all round. Not visible at ground level. Large shed has been built on site of castle. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

Probably built by the Purefoy family, who were prominent in the area during the 16th and 17th centuries; the site is historically significant as it appears on the Down Survey, reflecting landownership patterns after the Cromwellian conquest.

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