Ballynacarriga Castle

This four storey Irish tower house overlooks Ballynacarriga lough, in the village of Ballnacarriga, less than 10kms from Dunmanway. Certain parts of the tower house were constructed in the 16^th century, but experts suggest it may in fact be 100 years earlier in date. It is thought this tower was originally one of the McCarthy’s, as they were the primary clan in this area. The Hurley clan (Ó Muirthile) were a neighbouring clan and, through marriage or war, the Hurley family acquired Ballnacarriga Castle. In 1654 the castle was forfeited to the Crofts.

Over the entrance door on the east wall is a portcullis slot. Two bartizans cover the north-west and south-east corners of the tower, and remnants of a machicolation covering the entrance door. A spiral stone staircase rises up through the tower with window embrasures on all levels and fireplaces in the second and fourth storeys only.

Architectural features within the tower include a Sheela-na-gig, a series of carvings on window embrasures: a depiction of the Instruments of the Passion of Christ, a figure with five rosettes thought to be Catherine O Cullane and children, and an inscription ‘1585 R.M C.C’ interpreted as ‘in the year 1585 Randal Hurley and Catherine O Cullane.'

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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014