Is Ballyhannon Castle a good place to stay?
Is Ballyhannon Castle a good place to stay? – Yes, Ballyhannon Castle is an excellent place to stay! Not only is it a great chance to experience the history and charm of medieval Ireland, but its location near the beautiful village of Quin in County Clare makes for an ideal destination for those looking for a peaceful retreat.
The castle itself is fully intact and listed as a National Monument and “Listed/Protected” structure, so visitors can rest assured that the castle and its surroundings will remain as beautiful and pleasing to the eye for years to come. The surrounding area also offers plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, horseback riding, golfing, and exploring nearby historical sites. With its rich history and stunning scenery, Ballyhannon Castle is a great place to stay. No matter if visitors are looking for a romantic getaway or an opportunity to explore the local culture, they can find it at Ballyhannon Castle!
Once owned by the O’Brien family, Ballyhannon Castle in Ireland was first mentioned on Henry Pelham’s “Grand Jury” map of 1787 under the names Ballyhannon and Castlefergus. Hely Dutton wrote about it in 1808 calling it “Fergus – inhabited and lately white-washed!” The Blood family of Castlefergus also have their names tied to the castle, as Charlotte Blood married her cousin Matthew Henry Blood in 1831.
By the time Samuel Lewis wrote about Ballyhannon Castle in 1837, it was already uninhabited for the first time in 350 years and was described as a “fine old green-mantled tower”. Fast forward to 1970, and American millionaire Elizabeth Phillips – heir of the Phillips Petroleum company – purchased the castle and restored it with her husband Henry D. Irwin, giving it its current name of Ballyhannan Castle.
Robert Twigge’s description of the castle in the early 1900s noted its lack of outworks and perfect tower measuring 33 1/2 by 24 feet, defended by a shot-hole on the left and murder hole above. Its south door was topped with a handsome trefoil headed window of two lights, while its basement story had deep recesses under the corridor and stone vault forming the roof. A fireplace in the castle even bore the date 1576 – an addition that was added much later on.
Today, Ballyhannan Castle is a popular destination rented out to high-end tourists and has also been home to many rock stars and American film stars during shoots in the area. It remains as an impressive reminder of Ireland’s long-standing history.
How to get to Ballyhannon Castle
Ballyhannon Castle is located near the village of Quin in County Clare, Ireland. The easiest way to reach Ballyhannon Castle is by car. The castle can also be reached via public transportation such as bus or rail.
From Shannon Airport, take bus number 350 or 359 to Ennis and then transfer to a bus traveling in the direction of Quin. The journey takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes depending on connections.
From Galway, take a train from Ceannt Station to Athenry and then transfer to bus number 350 or 359 that is traveling in the direction of Quin. The total journey time is approximately 4 hours.
When visiting Ballyhannon Castle, it is important to remember that the castle is in a rural area and there are limited facilities nearby. Visitors should plan their trip accordingly and bring necessary items such as food and drinks before arriving. With its history, beauty, and interesting exhibits, Ballyhannon Castle is definitely worth the journey!
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