CASTLES LAOIS

Ballaghmore Castle is a five-storey tower house built circa 1480 by the Gaelic Chieftain MacGiollaphadraig (Fitzpatrick), Lords of Ossory, to command the Slighe Dhala ancient road from west Munster to Tara. Located in western County Laois, the castle derives its name from Bealach Mor, the ancient road to Munster. Remarkably, the castle retains remnants of its original defensive bawn wall with a surviving southern tower featuring corbelling and gun loops. A sheela-na-gig, one of Ireland's mysterious medieval fertility figures, is carved in bold relief on the external southwest wall. Set in 30 acres of peaceful grounds, Ballaghmore accommodates friends, families, corporate groups, golfers, walkers, cyclists, and intimate weddings seeking a historic venue steeped in medieval atmosphere.

Lea Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located on the south bank of the River Barrow near Portarlington in County Laois, strategically positioned on lands first established around 1260. The castle originally comprised a four-storey donjon (keep), a twin-towered gatehouse, extensive curtain walls enclosing a bailey, and four corner towers fortified on a motte-like rise. The site witnessed centuries of territorial struggle as Normans, O'Kellys, Fitzgeralds, O'Dempseys, and O'Moores all sought control of this strategically important crossing. The castle, its surrounding village, and church were largely destroyed during Cromwellian attacks in the 1650s. Today, situated on private land approximately 4.3 km east of Portarlington, the castle remains accessible to visitors seeking permission from the landowner, offering glimpses into medieval Irish fortification and the region's turbulent history without formal fees or guided services.

Ballyadams Castle is a fifteenth-century fortified house near Ballylynan in County Laois, historically the seat of the O'More family, a leading sept of the Seven Septs of Laois. The small but tall structure spans approximately five floors with an unusual multi-period plan, featuring an almost completely intact twin-towered entrance and portions of the original keep. Built to control territorial power in the region, the castle has witnessed significant historical events including the 1346 attack by Gaelic clans and its seizure during the 1534-1537 Silken Thomas rebellion. Tours can be arranged in advance through the Laois Heritage office.

Morett Castle represents a late medieval tower house constructed near Cullenagh in County Laois by the Fitzgerald family in 1580. The fortification stood four storeys high with semi-circular bartizans at each corner, commanding the surrounding landscape. Subjected to repeated hardship through the 1641 Rebellion, Cromwell's campaign, and the Williamite Wars, the castle was abandoned within two centuries. Today, the ruins stand on private land as mere fragments, with deteriorating chimneys and minimal remains pointing to its once-formidable structure and the turbulent history of its region.