Ballycarty

The old Ballycarty Castle (see location)
was an old Geraldine (Desmond branch) fortress, perhaps 15th cent,
confiscated after the Desmond rebellion 1583,
granted to Thomas Blennerhassett of Flimby, Cumberland in 1586 or close to that date.

His son Robert Blennerhassett came to Ireland,
lived at Ballycarty Castle.
Robert acquired Ballyseedy c.1620 (post-1619) and built a new house there.
For a time it seems Blennerhassetts lived at both Ballycarty and Ballyseedy.
In the 1600s Blennerhassett finally abandoned Ballycarty for their new house at Ballyseedy.
In the 1641 Rebellion, John Blennerhassett, of Ballycarty surrendered "Ballycarty Castle" to the rebels.
The old Ballycarty Castle is now a ruin.

The new Ballycarty House (see location)
was built in 1765-70 period by Nash, not connected to Blennerhassett.
See 1778 map.
It was burnt by the IRA in the Troubles 1921-22.
It is now a ruin.

Ballycarty Castle

This ruin near the river is believed to be Ballycarty Castle.
It looks old enough. And has very thick walls. Though with the large windows it does not appear to be very defensive.
Photos 2004 by Bill Jehan.

Ballycarty Castle.
See larger and original.
See other shot.

Ballycarty Castle.
See larger and original.

Interior. Ballycarty Castle.
See larger and original.

Ballycarty House

Photos 2004 by Bill Jehan.

Ballycarty House.
See larger and original.
See other shot and other shot.

Return to Ballyseedy.

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