Castle - tower house

The National Monuments Service's description

The site of the former castle at Ballyfermot is on the summit of a natural ridge at Le Fanu Park directly adjacent at the west to the church (DU018-031003) and graveyard (DU018031004). A drawing by Beranger in 1766 shows a tower with diagonally opposed turrets, lit by mullioned windows (Harbison 1998, 54-5). Ballyfermot manor was held by the Fitzwilliam family in the early 14th century later passing to Robert de Clahull in 1327. By the end of the 14th century the manor was held by Reginald Barnewall. In 1395 Reginald Butler was living there and in 1451 John Barnewall was in residence. It was occupied until the late 16th century when it went into decline. In the 18th century it was used as a school (Mc Dix 1898, Dec 1st, 168, 177). It stood until the early 19th century as a sketch by Wakeman shows an impressive building with a gatehouse and battlemented parapet (Ball 1906, 1001-105). There are no visible remains.

Compiled by Geraldine Stout

Uploated 13/06/16

References

Ball, E.F. 1902-20 (Reprint 1979) A history of the County Dublin, 6 vols. Dublin. Gill and Macmillan.

McDix, E.R. 1898a The lesser castles in the Co. Dublin. 47th article: The late Ballyfermot Castle. Irish Builder 40, 168.

McDix, E.R. 1897g The lesser castles in the Co. Dublin. 21st article: Deansrath Castle. Irish Builder 39, 178.