Rappa Castle

Rappa Castle is a castle ruin in Ballina featuring a three-story center block with four bays and two-story wings on either side. The structure is marked by high-pitched gable-ended roofs and tall chimneys that speak to its original status as an important manor house.

The Burke family built the original castle in the 15th century before it passed to the Crofton family and later to the Knox family in 1798. This succession of owners reflects the shifting power in County Mayo.

The Knox family shaped life in the region over generations, and their influence was visible in local administration. The castle served as the center of a large estate that structured the surrounding communities.

The castle ruins sit along the N59 route near Ballina and are relatively easy to reach. Exploring the site typically takes about 30 minutes, making it suitable for a brief visit alongside other attractions.

A fireplace from the original castle ruin was moved to a Knox family residence in nearby Killala and remains visible there today. This single architectural element connects the medieval past directly to the family's later residential history.

Location: Ballina

GPS coordinates: 54.13333,-9.25000

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:24