ballyloughan castle

The castle, which was probably built in the 13th century, originally consisted of a large open courtyard fortified by a high curtain wall with a moat outside it. Only a small square tower at one corner survives, as well as the entrance gate, flanked by two large rounded towers. The tower in the north-eastern corner was abandoned in the 14th century, and the whole castle may even have been abandoned at this time. Note the variety of fireplaces. The castle formerly belonged to the Kavanaghs, and was occupied by Donogh Kavanagh at the end of the 16th century. After the Restoration it came into the possession of the Bagenal family, but was bought by the Bruens in the early 19th century.