Islands of Ireland: Ballingarry — scene of sieges, slaughter and imprisonment

One man who moved to Kerry with his family saw his mother and younger brother killed before he was locked up in the castle here. He later went to Youghal but was kidnapped and brought to Algiers before making his way back to settle in Mitchelstown

Fri, 21 Jun, 2024 - 17:59

Dan MacCarthy

The northwest coastline in County Kerry mainly consists of downward sloping farmland to cliffs where the usually rough seas surround some very small islands and sea stacks. It is a coastline as dramatic as anywhere in the country with its caves, sea arches and waterfalls but it is well off the beaten track and tourists are few and far between. There are the remains of several Iron Age promontory forts there from where the occupants watched for any invasion by sea. There are also the ruins of a few castles including Brown’s Castle, Castle Shannon — and Ballinagarry Castle sitting just beside the eponymous Ballingarry Island.