Ballymoon Castle

Ballymoon Castle ( Irish Caisleán Bhaile Muáin ) is a ruin in Carlow, Ireland. It is located 3 kilometers east of the town of Muine Bheag.

History

Built in the late 13th, early 14th century, probably by a family of Carew, the building still exists today from an approximately 25 meter long and equally wide courtyard which is surrounded by walls of unhewn granite stones. This outer walls are about 6 feet tall and up to 2.50 meters wide. On three sides of the courtyard are watchtowers, while the fourth side can recognize a goal, are inserted into the grooves for a portcullis. Although the outer walls have a number of loopholes, windows, and the location of chimneys recognize but otherwise only a part of the foundation of the premises is within the works are preserved. The position of the windows and fireplaces on the outside wall shows that it must have been a two storey building. The foundations inside suggest, however, that the building was never fully completed. The ruins can be seen today and is registered as a National Monument.