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The Ballysaggartmore towers are two original towers in County Waterford. They were built in 1834 by Arthur Kiely-Ussher, a wealthy landowner who intended to build the largest castle in the region for his wife. These two towers were to serve as entrances to the building… Unfortunately for him, Arthur Kiely-Ussher ran out of money during the Great Irish Famine, and these two towers were the only part of the castle to be built…
The towers are set in superb woodland parkland, on the former Ballysaggartmore estate. Built less than 3 kilometers from Lismore, they’re easy to get to, and there’s a small parking lot for your convenience (beware, it’s often crowded in summer).
The location of the two towers in the heart of the woods means you can take a stroll in the heart of nature. A short hike is also available: a 2km loop takes you through a lovely, relaxing forest!
Allow around 30 minutes for the tour. The trail is actually quite nice, easy and accessible for the whole family.
Of course, the tour takes you past the two towers: an opportunity to discover architecture dating from just before the Great Famine. The whole is colossal, rather austere and massive. Its structure includes a small bridge with two towers with loggias on either side, controlling access to what was later to become a castle.
Unfortunately for Arthur Kiely-Ussher, the project fell through because of the Famine…
But be warned: this wealthy landowner is far from popular in Ireland. So don’t feel too sorry for him…
He sadly went down in history, not for building these two towers, but for evicting Irish families from his land during the Great Irish Famine.
Over the years, he lost his fortune and became destitute… This definitively buried his ambition to build the largest castle in the Waterford region…
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
Unnamed Road, Co. Waterford, Lismore (County Waterford) - Republic of Ireland
52.152504151391774, -7.9699235624160405
45 minutes
