Ballinacarriga

Ballinacarriga was built in 1585 by Randal Hurley (Muirhily). Situated on the edge of a rock overlooking the lough, it is a large, four-storey tower house with a bawn. On the walls encompassing the main structure were four circular towers, most of which were removed and used for building materials. Remains of the tower to the east of the castle still stand.

The walls of Ballinacarriga are over six feet thick. There were bartizans at first-floor level, and corbels for narrow machicolation over the door on the east wall .A short flight of steps in the northeast corner leads to a spiral stairway to the top of the tower. There are fireplaces on the first and third floors. The lower floors differ little from those of other castles, but the upper floor is considered unique for its period. Two large windows were adorned with paintings in relief. On one arch was a relief of the crucifixion and the Virgin and child, and on the other were carved the large letters R.M. C.C which were the initials of Randal and his wife, as well as the date of the castle and further Christian symbols.

On the outer east wall of the castle, at first-floor level, is a Sheelagh na Gig. The head is oval, the forehead large and flat. The right ear is more clearly defined than the left, and The right eye is larger than the left. The head is sunk into the shoulders. The figure has no ribs but large, hanging breasts. The figure has no ribs but large, hanging breasts. The arms go under the thighs and appear to spread an exaggerated vulva.

Sheelagh na Gigs have been found on round towers, early Christian church walls and occasionally on castles. The name could have derived from Sighle na gCioch (Old Hag of the Paps), or from Sile ina Giob (Sheela on her haunches), but neither wording explains the explicit symbolism of the carvings. It is probable that they represent the pagan goddess of fertility, and are intrinsically linked with the round tower because of their re interpretation as phallic symbols.

The O'Hurleys came south from Knocklong, County Limerick Randal Hurley seems to have spent many years in Spain before marrying Catherine O'Cullane, the daughter of the local chieftain. He was then granted additional lands by Florence MacCarthy Reagh, and erected Ballinacarriga.

One story about the castle provides some insight into the colourful character of Randal Hurley. When it was completed, he held a feast during which the workers requested their wages. Having looked at their tally sticks and deducted payment for food and lodgings, Randal concluded that they were, in fact, in debt to him. He ordered them from his lands, with the warning that if they were found there after dawn they would be put to the sword.

Randal's wife Catherine was by all accounts a vain, overbearing woman who behaved like a queen in her palace, with servants catering for her every whim. She only ventured out occasionally, and never without an escort of train bearers and musicians. She kept a complete retinue of musicians in permanent attendance at the great hall, proclaiming herself a great lover of the arts as well as her religion.

In 1631 Randal died and was succeeded by his son Randal Oge, who was one of the first to take up arms in the rebellion of 1641. One of the most interesting aspects of the Hurley Family is that the women fought alongside their men-folk, up to and including 1641, the family was indicted of high treason following that rising, was outlawed and lost everything.

There are records relating to Randal Oge's grandson, Randal Oge Beag, who made a second marriage to his mush younger cousin Ellen. He fought at Sarsfield's side during the siege of Limerick, and left for France following the treaty, leaving his wife behind at Ballinacarriga, the castle has been well preserved, largely because until the nineteenth century it was used as a parish church.