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Heritage Ireland

Ballyhack Castle

Savour a sense of the Middle Ages

Closed for 2024

See all opening times

Ballyhack Castle

Savour a sense of the Middle Ages

Closed for 2024

See all opening times

Ballyhack Castle will remain closed for 2024

Admission

Free admission

Getting here

Ballyhack
Arthurstown
Co. Wexford
Y34 TN56

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Ballyhack Castle

Ballyhack Castle commands an imperious position on a steep-sided valley overlooking Waterford Estuary. It is thought that the Knights Hospitallers of St John, one of the two mighty military orders founded at the time of the Crusades, built this sturdy tower house around 1450.

The tower is five stories tall and the walls survive complete to the wall walk. Built into the north-east wall of the second floor is a small chapel complete with a piscina, aumbry and altar. The entrance to the castle is protected externally by a machicolation and internally by a murder hole - that is, an opening through which defenders could throw rocks or pour boiling water, hot sand or boiling oil, on anyone foolish enough to attack.

Currently on display at Ballyhack Castle are assorted items of replica armour relating to the Crusades and the Normans –  guaranteed to ignite the imagination!

Opening Times

Closed for 2024

Notice

The reception and the castle are access via a staircase.
The upper floors are accessed via a steep stone stairs and doorways are low.

Contact

Ballyhack
Arthurstown
Co. Wexford
Y34 TN56

051 389 468

Getting Here

Located in Ballyhack village (off R733).

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Facilities

  • Guided tours

Restrictions

  • Appropriate footwear
  • Assistance dogs only
  • Hold hand rail
  • No climbing
  • No toilet facilities

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