Ballymoon Castle

Ballymoon Castle is a medieval ruin east of Muine Bheag with thick granite walls rising about 20 feet (6 meters) high, enclosing a square courtyard. The structure displays typical defensive features with towers on three sides and a substantial gatehouse.

The fortress was founded in the 13th century by Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk, but construction stopped suddenly under unclear circumstances. This abrupt halt makes the ruin a puzzling remnant from the medieval Norman period.

The name Ballymoon reflects Irish settlement patterns and remains part of the local identity today. Visitors can observe how the fortress relates to the surrounding landscape and the defensive purpose it served in protecting the valley.

The site remains open to visitors throughout the year and can be reached via a wooden bridge from Fennagh Road. Access is straightforward, though visitors should be prepared for uneven ground and expect slippery conditions in wet weather.

The walls contain mysteriously shaped openings resembling gun ports, keyholes, arrows, and other forms, making their true purpose unclear. These distinctive features give the ruin an enduring puzzle that visitors can explore today.