Ballycowan Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ballycowan Castle |
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Ballycowan Castle
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| General information | |
| Type | Castle / Fortified House |
| Location | Ballycowan, County Offaly, Ireland |
| Coordinates | 53°16′35″N 7°33′31″W / 53.276419°N 7.558745°W |
| Completed | 1589 |
Ballycowan Castle is an old castle located about 4 kilometers west of Tullamore in County Offaly, Ireland. It was built in 1589, not as a typical fighting castle, but as a strong, fortified house. This means it was a home designed to be safe from attacks.
Contents
What is Ballycowan Castle?
Ballycowan Castle stands as a historical landmark in County Offaly. It was originally built by a man named Thomas Morres. His goal was to create a secure home that could also defend itself if needed.
A Look at Its History
The story of Ballycowan Castle is quite interesting and goes back even before the current building.
The First Castle
Before the castle we see today, there was another building on the same spot. This was a tower house belonging to the O’Molloy family. It was known as Baile-mhic-Abhainn. Sadly, this earlier structure was destroyed by a fire in 1557. After it was gone, Thomas Morres built the current Ballycowan Castle in its place in 1589.
New Owners and Changes
Later, in 1626, another part was added to the castle. This was an adjacent tower built by Sir Jasper Herbert and his wife, Lady Jane Finglas. They received the land during a time when new settlers were given property in Ireland. This addition shows how the castle continued to grow and change over time.
The Castle During Tough Times
During a period known as the Cromwellian era, the castle faced some serious challenges. The southern part of Ballycowan Castle was damaged when it was attacked from a nearby hill. After these events, the land where the castle stood was taken over. In 1666, it was given to the Earl of Mountrath. This shows how the ownership and fate of castles often changed during times of conflict.
