Built around the late fifteenth century, it likely served as a residence for the Fitzpatricks of Ossory, strategically positioned near a fork in the Slighe Dala, an ancient roadway that once connected important centres across Ireland. The castle’s turbulent history includes its capture and partial dismantling by Cromwellian forces in 1647, though it was later restored in the 19th century and has recently undergone further renovation.

The tower house itself is an impressive five-storey structure, built from rubble limestone with dimensions of approximately 14.1 metres by 11.85 metres. Its defensive features tell the story of medieval Irish warfare: the original entrance in the northwest wall includes a murder hole above, whilst a complex network of mural passages and spiral staircases wind through the thick walls. The north angle contains stairs accessing upper floors, with additional stairs in the southwest angle leading to the roof level. Throughout the tower, narrow slit windows and cross-loops provided both light and defensive positions, though an elegant ogee-headed window on the northeast side hints at more peaceful times. The interior includes practical medieval amenities such as a garderobe accessed through a mural passage on the third floor and a wicker-centred chamber in the west angle.

Perhaps most intriguingly, Ballaghmore retains remnants of its original bawn, or defensive courtyard wall, which sits remarkably close to the tower house walls, just a metre out in places. This curtain wall once featured circular angle towers; the southern tower survives intact with its corbelled roof standing 2.6 metres high and three gun loops, one still perfectly preserved facing south. Adding an unexpected element to this fortress is a sheela-na-gig, one of Ireland’s mysterious medieval fertility figures, carved in bold relief on the external southwest wall between the second and third floors. This curious addition reminds us that these castles weren’t merely military structures but were homes filled with the beliefs, superstitions, and artistic expressions of their inhabitants.