This tower house, likely built in the 15th or 16th century, represents the kind of fortified dwelling that once dotted the Irish landscape when local chieftains and Anglo-Norman families needed both comfort and protection. The castle’s name derives from the Irish “Béal Átha Búirce,” meaning “mouth of Burke’s ford,” pointing to its strategic position near a river crossing that would have been vital for controlling movement through the area.

The Burkes, one of the great Norman families who became “more Irish than the Irish themselves,” would have built this tower house as both a statement of power and a practical fortress. These structures typically featured thick stone walls, narrow windows for defence, and multiple floors connected by a spiral staircase tucked into the wall’s thickness. At Bellaburke, the castle would have served as the administrative centre for the surrounding lands, where rents were collected, justice was dispensed, and the local population could seek protection during raids or conflicts.

Today, the castle ruins offer visitors a tangible connection to this turbulent period of Irish history. While time and weather have taken their toll, the remaining stonework still hints at the building’s former strength and importance. The site sits quietly in the Mayo countryside, largely overlooked by tourists heading for more famous attractions, making it a perfect spot for those interested in exploring Ireland’s lesser-known medieval heritage without the crowds.