Rockstown Castle (in ruins) — Report the wrong picture

What is recorded here

Ballynacarrig Castle still stands as a square tower on a limestone rock in Rockstown, having passed from Bourke to Gould and Ingoldesbye before its four stories fell silent. The narrow stone chamber may have echoed with arguments, prayers or quiet fear, while the wide outlook watched the living land below. Ruin has not erased the shape; it has returned the castle to the rock that first held it.

Ballynacarrig or Rockstown Castle described in 1840 as following; 'The castle is placed on a limestone rock, about 3 or 4 chains [60-80m] in diameter and proportionally high. It is about 60 feet [20m] and abut 24 feet each side, being square in plan. The Bourkes are said to have inhabited it' (OSNB, 707). Westropp (1906-7, 90-1) recorded the following details about Ballynacarrig Castle; '1583 Ballnecarrig C. held by W. Bourke (Des. R., 37). 1600 Jas. Gould held C. of Ballynecarrygie or Rockstowne (Inq. Chan., 40b). 1655 Capt. G. Ingoldesbye held C. and bawn of Ballinacarriggie (C.S., xxi., p. 35), Ballinecarrig (D.S.A., 24). Fabric - A tower standing on rocks, with a wide outlook. It is 50 feet [15m] high, measures 26 feet [8m] by 24 feet [7.3m] inside, and has four stories well preserved (O.S.L., 8, p. 366). Views in Du Noyer's sketches, R.S.A.I. collection (iii. 41a, iv. 62). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 3 January 2019

Rockstown Castle was likely built by the Fitzgerald family, the Geraldines, during the late 15th or early 16th century as part of their extensive network of defensive structures in the region. The castle is remembered for its strategic position on a prominent limestone rock, reflecting the power and influence of the Fitzgeralds in medieval Ireland.

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