BALLYBRODER CASTLE

Ballybroder Castle is a 16th century tower house near Loughrea Town in Galway. Ballybroder Castle is believed to have been built by the De Burgo (Burke) family, one of the most powerful Anglo-Norman clans in Ireland. The castle features a spiral staircase in the north east corner and a vaulted third storey level with a latrine. It is surrounded by an unoccupied 19th century manor house, which was once owned by Henry Burke and later leased by Patrick Burke from Peter Dolphin.

Ballybroder Castle is a testament to the turbulent history of Galway, where the De Burgo family fought against the native Irish and the English crown for control of the land. The castle was likely attacked and burned several times during the wars and rebellions of the 16th and 17th centuries. It is now uninhabited, but still retains some of its original features and charm.

Ballybroder Castle is not open to the public, but you can view it from the road or from a nearby field. It is located about 4 km east of Loughrea Town, on the R350 road.