Known as 'the Castle of the Curlews', this Elizabethan-era blockhouse overlooking Lough Arrow was built during the Nine Years' War by Captain John St Barbe to guard the strategic Curlew Mountains pass. It was damaged by Red Hugh O'Donnell's forces in 1595 and sacked again in 1642 before falling out of use.
Visiting Ballinafad Castle
Ruin, freely accessible exterior
"Known as 'the Castle of the Curlews', this Elizabethan-era blockhouse overlooking Lough Arrow was built during the Nine Years' War by Captain John St Barbe to guard the strategic Curlew Mountains pass."
Where to stay nearby
The closest castle hotel is Kilronan Castle, 4.95 km away in Ballyfarnon — Originally Castle Tenison, built c.1820 and expanded in the 1880s with a baronial tower by the Earl of Kingston; fell derelict mid-20th century before restoration.
Nearest castle hotel · 4.95 km
Kilronan Castle
Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon · 4-star
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