Ballygarth Castle, Julianstown Co. Meath
A castle and manorial church, spotted from the roadside
Originally in the possession of the Barnewell's, Ballygarth Castle, Julianstown Co. Meath, was granted to the Pepper family by Charles II in the 1660s. The Peppers remained in possession until 1979. There are three distinct sections to this building:
1. The original 3 story Barnewell Tower House. This is the oldest section and features two square corner turrets which contain spiral staircases.
2. The 19th Century entrance tower.
3. The three-bay Georgian block built in 1782.
The entirety of the building was castellated in 1861 by William and Thomas Louch and also extensively remodelled in the 19th century. Although in good structural condition and occupied in recent years, it now appears that the building is unoccupied and at serious risk of dereliction.
Adjacent to the castle are the remains of the Barnewell manorial church. This undivided nave and chancel church has been in ruins since 1641. It would appear that the oldest sections, the western portion of the church, date from the 14th century. The western gable features a large triple bellcote. The church also features a piscina and numerous high-quality cut stone dressing and windows.
There is no public access to either the church or castle. The below photographs were taken from a considerable distance away, on the Julianstown to Laytown road on the opposite bank of the river Nanny, using a high amount of optical zoom.
Sources/further reading
Casey, Christine, and Alistair John Rowan. 'The Buildings of Ireland: North Leinster'. Penguin, 1993.
Salter, Mike. 'Castles of Leinster'. UK, Folly Publications, 2004.
Salter, Mike. 'Medieval Churches of Ireland'. UK, Folly Publications, 2009.
I believe I’m a descendant if the Peppers of Ballygarth Castle. Anyone else?
Wintle is my line but whether I’m a direct descendant only my tree can tell, must have a look. What a restoration project.