Ballykine Castle: A Hidden Gem in County Mayo

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Discover the enchanting ruins of Ballykine Castle, a hidden historical treasure nestled in the serene landscapes of County Mayo, Ireland.

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Ballykine Castle

Nestled within the dense Clonbur Woodland near the Galway-Mayo border, Ballykine Castle is a 13th-century ruin with a rich history. Once owned by the O'Kyne clan and later the Guinness family, this small, fortified house offers a tranquil escape into Ireland's past, surrounded by lush foliage and an eerie quiet atmosphere.

A brief summary to Ballykine Castle

Ballykine Lower, Co. Mayo, IE
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ballykine Castle.

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the castle ruins and surrounding trails.
Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and scenic views.
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the tranquil surroundings of the castle.
Respect the site by following any posted guidelines and preserving its natural beauty.

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Getting There

Driving

To reach Ballykine Castle by car, start from the N59 through Connemara National Park. From Clifden, head towards Westport. After about 20 kilometers, you'll reach Leenane. Turn onto the R335 towards Ballykine, continuing for approximately 15 kilometers until you see signs for the castle. The castle is located off the road in Ballykine Lower, Co. Mayo. Parking is limited, so find a safe area to pull over. There are no tolls on this route.
Public Transport

To reach Ballykine Castle using public transport, take a Bus Éireann bus from Clifden to Westport. From Westport, take another bus to Leenane. From Leenane, you can walk or take a taxi to Ballykine Castle, which is about 15 kilometers away. Bus fares from Clifden to Westport typically cost around €10-€15, and Westport to Leenane around €8-€12. A taxi from Leenane to the castle may cost approximately €25-€35.
Walking

If you are near Ballykine Castle, walking trails around Connemara National Park can lead you to the R335 road. Head south towards Ballykine. The walk offers scenic views but involves some elevation changes. Ensure you have a map or GPS. There are no costs associated with walking.

Discover more about Ballykine Castle

Ballykine Castle, also known as Baile Ui Chadhain in Irish, lies hidden within the Clonbur Woodland, near the border of County Mayo and County Galway. This 13th-century ruin, located 1.5km east of Clonbur, was one of five castles built by the O'Kyne (O'Cadain) Clan. The castle's lands were seized in 1571, and it later passed to the Burke family, who then gave it to Scottish mercenaries, the McDonnells, in lieu of payment. Eventually, it became part of the Guinness estate.Ballykine Castle is small, more like a fortified house, measuring only 24 feet by 17 feet. It features a four-story tower and a trabeated doorway, with archeologists estimating the doorway to predate the rest of the structure by 900 years. The castle had two rooms on the ground floor and one large room on the upper floor, accessible via an outside stairway. The interior was destroyed by fire in the late 15th or early 16th century, leaving exposed and cracked stones.Today, Ballykine Castle sits submerged in an eerily quiet atmosphere, enveloped by the surrounding emerald foliage. The area has been reforested, adding to the spooky atmosphere, especially with mist over the nearby Lough Mask. Visitors can explore the castle ruins and the surrounding walking trails, immersing themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of this historical site.