Built in the 1860s by the Stoney family, this Gothic Revival mansion was designed to impress with its castellated towers, ornate stonework, and commanding position overlooking Ballycurrin Demesne. The Stoneys, who had acquired the estate in the late 18th century, poured considerable resources into creating what they hoped would be a lasting symbol of their status and wealth in the west of Ireland.

The castle’s architecture reflects the Victorian fascination with medieval romanticism; pointed arch windows, decorative battlements, and imposing turrets were all carefully incorporated to evoke the grandeur of a bygone age. Inside, the mansion once boasted elaborate plasterwork, marble fireplaces, and a grand staircase that swept through the heart of the building. The surrounding demesne was equally impressive, featuring carefully planned parkland, walled gardens, and scenic walks that took full advantage of the Mayo countryside’s natural beauty.

Like many of Ireland’s great houses, Ballycurrin Castle couldn’t escape the social and economic upheavals of the 20th century. The combination of land reform, changing political landscapes, and dwindling fortunes led to the castle’s abandonment by the mid-20th century. Today, the structure stands roofless and weathered, its empty windows gazing out across overgrown gardens where nature has steadily reclaimed the once-manicured grounds. Despite its ruined state, or perhaps because of it, Ballycurrin Castle remains a compelling reminder of a complex chapter in Irish history, when Anglo-Irish families built monuments to their prosperity that would ultimately outlast their presence on the land.