Garbally Castle, Medieval tower house in County Galway, Ireland
Garbally Castle is a 15th-century fortified tower in County Galway built with thick stone walls, specialized openings for door chains, and two murder holes positioned next to the entrance for defense. The northeast section of the ruin remains standing and displays a square floor plan with exposed interior spaces.
Malachy O'Kelly constructed this fortified structure in 1499 as a stronghold for his clan. The castle was destroyed by MacWilliam De Burgo in 1504, marking the end of its use as a working fortress.
The name Garbally comes from the Irish term Garbh Bhaile, meaning rough townland, reflecting the terrain where it stands. Today the site is embedded in the rural landscape and remains connected to local memory and community identity.
The site sits along a rural road and is accessible from the junction with a minor route, surrounded by open pasture. The visible northeast section of the ruin can be seen clearly from the road, making it easy to spot and view the structure.
The castle grounds now host a handball court featuring a memorial plaque for Ellen Mannion dated to 1850. This blend of medieval stone ruins and modern recreational use shows how the location has remained part of community life over centuries.
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