Ballyloughan Castle

Ballyloughan Castle is a ruined Irish castle, located in the Carlow region, not far from Bagenalstown. Built in the 14th century, the castle was once fortified by a curtain wall and surrounded by a deep defensive moat . Nowadays, only 3 towers remain at the castle, but a visit to the ruins will take you to the heart of a picturesque medieval environment!

History of Ballyloughan Castle

A castle built around 1300…

Ballyloughan Castle is said to date from about 1300 and is located not far from the town. The castle would have originally belonged to the Kavanagh family until the 16th century. This very powerful family reigned over the area around Carlow County and its peasants. At that time, the castle once consisted of a half-open fortified courtyard surrounded by a deep defensive moat.

It wasn’t until the end of the 16th century that Ballyloughan Castle changed hands and became the property of the Bagenal family, an Irish family whose power superseded that of the Kavanagh family.

Over the centuries, the castle has suffered some battles and clashes which greatly deteriorate the state of the construction. In the 19th century, the castle was abandoned and then bought by the Bruens . Nevertheless, it has been reduced to a state of ruin for several centuries…

Visit Ballyloughan Castle

A Site in ruins, composed of 3 towers still standing…

The visit of Ballyloughan Castle is free of charge. Located in a field, all that remains of the castle is a square tower in ruins, flanked by 2 large round towers. For security reasons, we advise you not to enter the ruins: they are sometimes unstable and shaky.

In any case, don’t hesitate to survey the place from one side to the other: you will find here and there, other traces of foundations and fallen walls of the castle…