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References date from 1653, when it was fortified by John McKeallagh Fitzpatrick (Carrigan 1905 vol. 2, 228). The S and W angles of a rubble built tower house (dims. 9.35m NW-SE, c. 7m NE-SW; wall T 1.25m), at least two storeys high, with a possible entrance at SE survive. Featureless. A piece of masonry 15m out from S angle may represent the remains of a bawn wall (LA035-045003-).
Described by Carrigan as 'A considerable fragment of Ballykealy castle is still standing. The castle and townland of Ballykealy were forfeited by John mcKeallagh Fitzpatrick, in 1653' (Carrigan 1905 vol. 2, 228).
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 17 December 2007
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