Ballyboy Castle

Ballyboy Castle lies in the townland of Ballyboy East, in County Tipperary, in Ireland.

Other than that the castle dates back to the 13th century, I don't know anything about its history. If you know more, please let me know.

It was built on a steep natural rise on the north bank of the River Tar, and probably was more a hall house than a real castle. Its ruins were later used as a stone quarry. In the 16th century a new Ballyboy House was built, some 50 meters north of the castle, so maybe that was when the castle was abandoned?

According to documents, Ballyboy was inhabited in the first half of the 17th century by the Everard family. It was then described as being 'a castle covered with thatch without repaire', although it is not certain if this pertained to the medieval castle or the 16th century house. They left Ballyboy in 1641 for their new residence; Burncourt Castle.

At present, Ballyboy Castle is situated in the garden of Ballyboy House, next to a bawn wall. The ruin is much overgrown and thus shows almost no architectural details. It can be visited as a guest of the accommodation offered by Ballyboy House or with permission of the owner.

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