BALLYEGNYBEG CASTLE
Traditional Irish Name
Baile Eigne – Egny’s Town.
Associated Families
De Wale/Wall.
Trenchard.
Hurley.
Location
| Barony | Connello Lower. |
| Civil Parish | Clonagh. |
| Townland | Ballyegnybeg. |
| OS Map Ref | Sheet 28. |
Protected Structure Record
Reg. No: N/A.
Ref. No: N/A.
Description
Ballyegnybeg was traditionally held by the Norman family of De Wale/Vale or Wall.
It is a 15th century tower house. Described in 1840 as it stands at present: ‘The ruins are of rectangular form. The walls, about 25 feet high, are standing and perfect …’1
In its original state Ballyegnybeg (like Ballinoe Castle) stood four or five storeys high. It is a now a low truncated tower, cut down to a couple of storeys. Some architectural features of interest remain, including the various slit windows.
Condition
The building is ivy-free and in good condition. The entrance is sealed.
Access
The castle is on private land. Permission is required.
Historical Timeline
| 1452: | Ballyegnybeg recorded as part of the earl of Desmond’s property. |
| 1570: | Estate held by Maurice de Wale/Wall under Desmond. |
| 1582: | Castle and lands held by Pierce de Wale. |
| 1583: | Pierce de Wale of Ballyegny tried for treason and executed for his part in the Desmond rebellion. |
| 1587: | The castle and lands granted to William Trenchard, one of Queen Elizabeth I’s ‘undertakers’ in the Munster Plantation. |
| 1598: | Recorded as the late estate of Francis Trenchard. |
| 1612: | The estate held by Francis Berkeley. |
| 1634: | Castle and lands purchased by Morris Hurley of Knocklong, Co. Limerick from Richard Boyle, earl of Cork. |
| 1655: | Estate held by John Hurley. |
1 Ordnance Survey Field Name Books, Clonagh parish, 20.
Notes
All historical information is compiled from archival material; primary sources (such as State Papers); secondary sources; plus authoritative digital sources (such as CELT). Any direct quote or a further reading suggestion is footnoted.
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