Bruree Upper Castle

Bruree Upper Castle, sometimes also known as Ballynoe Castle, lies next to the village of Bruree, in County Limerick, in Ireland.

The village of Bruree actually has 2 castles; this one and Bruree Lower Castle, of which the latter one is the oldest.

Bruree Upper Castle was probably built around the 15th century. It belonged to the Norman De Lacy family. Legend has it that it was already built in the late 13th century by the Knights Templar, but there is no evidence to support this.

In 1569, during the First Desmond Rebellion, it was taken by the English Captain John Warde, but later was returned to the De Lacys.

In 1640 the castle and its lands were owned by Henry Bourchier, 5th Earl of Bath. It was burned by Irish forces in 1691, during the Williamite War in Ireland. Apparently it was repaired, because in 1700 it was known as the home of the vicar of Bruree.

The north-west angle of the tower had fallen by 1896.

This originally 5-storey rectangular tower house was built on a hill, called Ballynoe, on the south bank of the River Maigue. It probably served to guard a river crossing. The now-disused church next to it was built in the 19th century and replaced a, by then long-gone, 4th century predecessor.

The graveyard is freely accessible during daytime. The castle ruin itself can not be entered as its immediate area is fenced off, because of the danger of falling masonry. A nicely situated castle ruin.

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