Ballymote Castle

About this place

Ballymote Castle (Irish: Caisleán Bhaile an Mhóta) is a large rectangular keepless castle, built around 1300. It is located in the townland of Carrownanty on the outskirts of Ballymote in southern County Sligo, Ireland. This area was known historically as Átha Cliath an Chorainn, which roughly translates as The Ford of the Hurdles of Corann. It is the last of the Norman castles in Connacht. It was probably built in order to protect the newly won possessions of Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster (also known as the Red Earl), in County Sligo, some distance from an earlier motte.

Visitor Information

Heritage status

Protected Heritage Site

Getting There & Parking

Ballymote Castle is located in County Sligo, roughly 125 km (1h 50m drive) from Galway and 217 km (3h 10m) from Dublin. The nearest public car park is 98 m away. Nearby highlights within a short drive include Ballymote Abbey (0.3 km away).