Ballinlough Castle, Medieval castle in County Westmeath, Ireland
Ballinlough Castle is a fortress built in the early 1600s that sits on a hill overlooking two Westmeath lakes, surrounded by grasslands, woodlands, and open countryside spanning hundreds of acres. The main structure preserves its original form while a wing added in the late 1700s expanded its size and adapted it for longer residence.
The fortress was built in 1614 and received a substantial wing in the late 1700s designed by Thomas Wogan Browne under the direction of Sir Hugh O'Reilly. These additions reflected the family's ability to adapt their home while preserving its medieval core through changing times.
The Nugent family has lived here continuously since the 1600s, making them one of the rare Irish Catholic families to maintain their original estate through centuries. This unbroken family presence shapes how the castle functions today as a working home rather than just a monument.
This is a private home today, so visits need to be arranged well in advance with the current residents. Group bookings are available with a minimum three-night stay, allowing visitors to experience the full scope of the estate and its surroundings.
The rooms contain windows that stand remarkably high, possibly the tallest of any private residence from the 1600s-1700s period. These oversized windows flood the interior with light and offer expansive views across the surrounding woods and lakes.
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