Ballinderry Castle, Ballinderry, Co. Galway

Records from 1574 show it was owned by one John Burke fiz Tho., and the structure has witnessed over four centuries of Irish history. This imposing rectangular tower, measuring 10.7 metres east to west and 9 metres north to south, originally stood five storeys high with a gabled attic, its walls constructed from roughly shaped stones with beautifully dressed quoinstones and window surrounds.

The castle's defensive features reveal the turbulent times in which it was built. Entry was gained through a pointed arched doorway on the east wall, cunningly protected by an overhead murder hole. Inside, the layout was both practical and sophisticated: a small lobby led to a guardroom, whilst a clockwise spiral staircase in the northeast corner provided access to the upper floors. Each level served distinct purposes, with the first three floors containing a main room plus an eastern chamber, whilst the fourth floor housed a single room and the attic contained what was described as a 'good garret'. The tower boasted impressive architectural details including vaulted ceilings between several floors, fireplaces on multiple levels with ornate mantlepieces, and garderobe passages ingeniously built into the haunches of the main vaults. Windows ranged from simple defensive loops to larger ogee-headed and flat-headed designs, some featuring two lights.

Perhaps most intriguingly, the castle bears traces of Ireland's ancient past alongside its medieval architecture. A sheela-na-gig, one of those mysterious female figures found on Irish churches and castles, was carved into the keystone above the main doorway. The tower stood on a raised rectangular platform, possibly marking the site of an earlier bawn or fortified courtyard. After centuries of gradual decay, during which it retained most of its structural integrity despite losing its roof and wooden floors, Ballinderry Castle has been restored and converted into a private residence, ensuring this piece of Galway's heritage continues to stand watch over the surrounding countryside.