Wallstown Castle
Wallstown Castle is located on farmland in the River Awbeg valley in Castletownroche, near Ballynamona, County Cork. The River Awbeg flows past the eastern boundary of the property.
The castle is a ruined fortified four storey tower house. The western wall with its prominent chimney stack is the tallest part of the structure remaining. A new house was built on the property in the late 18th century. The castle ruins are in the back courtyard of the house. The whole property is known as Wallstown Castle, and is privately owned.
Wallstown Castle was built in the 13th century. It was occupied by the Wall family. During the Irish Confederate Wars, the castle was captured by Lord Inchiquin and burned down in 1642. Most of the castle occupants were slain. Richard Wall was captured and later died in Cork prison.
After Oliver Cromwell invaded Ireland, the castle was granted to Captain Andrew Ruddock by Cromwell. Ruddock's tomb can still be seen in the cemetery of the ruined church on the property.