History
A useful panel placed by The Heritage Council [1] at the entrance of the complex provides useful information about the history of Ballygrennan castle.
In more detail, according to the Irish archaeologist Thomas Johnson Westropp, Ballygrennan is a late 16th century 4 storey tower house, with an additional Fifth storey attic level, sorrounded by a court with bawn wall and outer gate, including other buildings, originally held by Gerald, Earl of Kildare, and his ancestors.
As reported by Westropp, the castle had several owners during the centuries. In 1583, it was partially held by W. Ffoxe and moreover it had been held by Gerald, Earl of Kildare, and his ancestors. Later on, in 1621, it was granted to Dr. J. Metcalf and G. Jones and, in the mid 17th century, the castle and the sorrounding area were held by James Fox, who had to pay 17 shillings and 6 pence per annum to the Earl of Kildare.
The castle was later sold to G. Evans, whose grandson was created Baron Carbery in 1715.
A detailed historical timeline about the castle and related estate is provided in [2].
… And to increase your curiosity about this beautiful place, we found a very appealing video on the Youtube channel of “DroneHawk”, that we recommend you to watch [3].
References
- [1] The Heritage Council
- [2] Our Irish Heritage, BALLYGRENNANE CASTLE
- [3] Youtube channel of DroneHawk, Ballygrennan Castle Co Limerick